David Weldon

Want to have a loyal and dedicated workforce and keep employment costs in check? Try a mentoring program.

The increased dependence on non-physician providers raises important questions for hiring managers at healthcare organizations. How to best utilize non-physician providers? Which roles are ideal -- e.g., nurse practitioners or PAs? And what are the financial and operational benefits?

Hospitals are dependent on donations to help offset huge operating expenses. And in this turbulent time of rising costs and shrinking reimbursements, they need all the financial kindness they can get. That's why investing in philanthropy personnel is important.

A mentoring program can help to keep employees engaged and loyal, hold down costs of recruiting and on-boarding and helps to create the next generation of organizational leadership.

With the shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare industry, many healthcare organizations find themselves putting up with some toxic employees. If you find yourself in such a position, there are constructive steps you can take.

Hospitals and healthcare centers are in strong competition for skilled physicians and nurses. That puts added pressure on the credentialing process. Fortunately, the process has been made easier thanks to electronic access to data.

The growing shortage of physicians is causing many healthcare organizations to rethink the roles of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. To figure out which role is the better to invest in, organizations have a lot to consider.

As healthcare providers grapple with more complex issues, the CFO is being asked to take on a leadership role that in many cases extends beyond the realm of accounting.

Merger and acquisition activity continued at a robust pace in the closing months of 2013, and by all accounts, the industry will see more of the same in 2014.

With the closing of 2013 and arrival of 2014, it is a time to look ahead at a few of the industry trends we can expect in the upcoming 12 months.