Strategic Planning

2.1 Management is the way in which the nursing home achieves its objectives; it is the method by which we get things done. Strategic Planning is the method that determines what things need to be done. It provides the goals and objectives of the nursing home. 2.2 Without a Strategic Plan in place, the nursing home is operating without clear purpose and direction. Decisions made without regard to the goals and objectives of the nursing home, do not advance the interests of the nursing home. Assets of opportunity, capital, and personnel can be wasted. 2.3 Strategic Planning and goal setting are essential parts of every business. A plan of action must be established with definite goals and objectives so that the work effort and resources are directed in a controlled and coordinated manner. 2.4 A good Strategic Plan establishes achievable goals and objectives. Good Managers direct their personnel, and manage their Departments every day without losing sight of the overall goals and objectives for the nursing home. They make decisions and changes as required to keep the nursing home progressing toward its established goals and objectives. 2.5 Without a plan, a business tends to run on historical experience or on a crisis management basis. Managers reach in different and sometimes contradictory directions due to lack of clear common goals. This creates confusion, inefficiency, excessive cost and reduction of profits. 2.7 The lack of a plan also limits growth. Efforts are based on day-by-day situations without planning for growth. Essentially, you are "flying blind". Although the nursing home cannot plan for all contingencies, planning will reduce risk and will also provide guidelines for staying on course.