Long-Term-Care is complex to say the least. Due to its complexity, there are challenges. One strategy to navigate these challenges is to try to find win-win solutions as often as we can. We find, to succeed in professional situations, a win-win approach is essential. When we engage in business with someone, our agreements should be structured so that both parties, i.e., you and the other party, will benefit. The President of RB Health Partners, Inc., Robin A. Bleier, is a proponent of this approach. She has discovered how to be more receptive to the needs of those who might be presenting barriers in order to close gaps and offer effective solutions.
Background Story
Ms. Bleier began her career in the medical field in 1981, first in health information management, and then as a pharmacy technician at a local hospital. She started working as a nursing assistant at a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in St. Petersburg, FL, while pursuing education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); later transitioning to work as an LPN. During that time, she went back to school and completed her associate degree in nursing (ASN), becoming a registered nurse (RN). After receiving her degree and passing her licensing exams, Robin worked as an RN at the hospital where she had previously worked as a pharmacy technician. After leaving the hospital, she was hired by her prior Director of Nursing (DON), from the SNF she first worked at, to become a consultant with a small national consulting firm based in Tallahassee, Florida. Ms. Bleier worked there for four years before leaving as their Director of Clinical Services. She then went to work at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) as their Director of Clinical Services. In the CCRC role, Ms. Bleier oversaw all rehabilitative services in addition to the SNF, two assisted living facilities (ALFs) and care given in the attached independent living center. Following the CCRC, she joined a small multi-state management company, initially as the Regional Nurse, with promotions through Chief Operating Officer over a seven-year period. She later left the management company. Thus began the birth of RB Health Partners, Inc. in 2002.
RB Health Partners, Inc. provides comprehensive long-term-care consulting services to SNFs, ALFs, and CCRCs nationwide. Headquartered in Tampa Bay, Florida, US, the interdisciplinary team of consultants and subject matter experts (SMEs) are second to none. They are knowledgeable and experienced in areas such as clinical services, risk management, social services, joint commission accreditation, clinical reimbursement, analytics, epidemiology, infection prevention and control, health information management (medical records), electronic health record support, ICD-10 coding, nutritional and dietary, assessment and care planning, regulatory support to include back to compliance, education and training, etc. They have been in business for 21 years and currently serve more than 15 states. The team of expert prepared consultants will coach and support you and your team. The Board-Certified Infection Preventionists have been instrumental in assisting the LTC facilities they serve in their fight against COVID-19.
Defines Her Position
Ms. Bleier is a cheerful individual who prioritizes compassionate care. She prefers to observe and take part in acts that are focused on systematic quality improvement. Her role entails some fieldwork as well as office and development time. She remains up to date on both the team’s and the clients’ needs thanks to this mix. Ms. Bleier feels that encouraging her team members to be their best is the most fulfilling aspect of her position and encouragement of teamwork is an important component of that.
A Lesson from Parents
Leadership training is crucial for success. Ms. Bleier thinks that taking advantage of educational opportunities, joining associations, and attending trainings are essential to success. Additionally, it is helpful to network with other experts. Both of her parents instilled compassion with competence, as well as polite directness; a lesson she learned from her father who spent the majority of his life running his own business. Her mother’s lesson was to treat all with respect and understanding. Both of her parents supported her growth with a focus on how important kindness is in all spheres of life, including business.
Work-Life Balance
According to Ms. Bleier, work-life balance is one of the biggest obstacles leaders face in the workplace today. While certain professions permit a more flexible separation of work and personal life, many others require substantial sacrifices in the areas of leisure and family time. As a result, employers are becoming more conscious of the rising demands of their workers to have a healthy work-life balance. Ms. Bleier claims that balancing a business, family, and personal obligations, with personal and professional development, is difficult. She recalls that juggling the health care demands of two of her family members, while upholding her position as a leader and a family member, was her most challenging situation. She states that, “I am blessed to have a full personal life, but it has not always been easy.” She adds, “I am happily married to Walter Kittle, a retired Chiropractor and professional musician.” Robin enjoys her family, to include her new grandson, as well as her friend circle.
Futuristic Views
Robin defines success as her team members being pleased and satisfied with their work and knowing they have had a positive impact on others. The longevity of her team members and clientele is an indicator of this success. Many of her coworkers and clients have been with her for five to twenty-one years. Her goals for the future include staying an excellent employer, providing opportunities that inspire and motivate team members, and offering top-notch consulting services that are reliable, empathetic, and professionally stay ahead of the rapidly changing curve. “Be genuine to yourself”, Robin counsels upcoming female leaders. “Consider your motivations; if you lead well, everything else will follow.”
Quote: Be genuine to yourself”, Robin counsels upcoming female leaders. “Consider your motivations; if you lead well, everything else will follow.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
