JCI Lead and Executive Director of Nursing at Aspen Medical Health Care Fiji

Ana Maria Yenko Jimenez is a highly skilled healthcare executive with over 17 years of industry experience. She is a results-driven professional with a practical approach to problem-solving and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, specializing in Nursing Administration. Additionally, she is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, having implemented the latest and most effective operational excellence processes, including Performance Management, Strategy Deployment, Process Improvement and Building High-Performing Teams. 

As a hands-on operator in mid and high-level business processes, she has earned a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. Ana has a proven track record of success from her previous role as Director of Quality at the largest healthcare network in the Philippines. 

She also served as the Head of Performance Management at Hoan My Medical Corporation, the largest private healthcare group in Vietnam, where she consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to manage performance and drive excellence. Her meticulous approach ensured the accomplishment of business goals through well-defined and measurable objectives. 

Currently, she is the JCI Lead and Executive Director of Nursing at Aspen Medical Health Care Fiji, where she continues to implement evidence-based standards to deliver quality and safe care. 

Ana’s Key Roles and Career Journey

My career began as a registered nurse in the Philippines and the United States. I transitioned into academia as a Nurse Clinical Instructor and became the Overall Academic and Clinical Coordinator at a top international nursing school in the Philippines. With a Master’s in Psychology, a Postgraduate Certification in Professional Education, and a PhD in Nursing Administration, I moved into leadership roles in healthcare networks across Southeast Asia. These experiences ultimately led me to my current role at Aspen Medical in the South Pacific, where I oversee the delivery of quality and safe care.

“Stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices to enhance your skills and provide top-quality care. Strong communication and teamwork are equally vital, as collaboration greatly impacts patient outcomes.”

Industry Challenges

A significant challenge I faced was leading a hospital through Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation when we were behind on infection control and patient safety protocols. The team was overwhelmed, so I implemented a performance improvement plan, breaking tasks into manageable steps and aligning them with team strengths. I prioritized high-risk areas and introduced regular progress meetings to maintain focus and morale. By involving external consultants and streamlining education, we successfully achieved JCI accreditation. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and resilience in overcoming challenges.

Incorporating Innovative Practices 

Incorporating innovative practices and technologies is vital to improving patient outcomes. I focus on data-driven decision-making through Electronic Health Records (EHR) and clinical decision support systems, allowing us to predict complications and enhance care efficiency. Simulation-based learning is another tool I’ve integrated, enabling nurses and midwives to practice critical procedures in lifelike scenarios. This boosts their confidence and decision-making skills during emergencies. By blending technology with continuous learning, we empower healthcare professionals to provide safer, more accurate care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Developing and implementing nursing and midwifery policies

When developing and implementing nursing and midwifery policies, I prioritize an evidence-based approach, ensuring alignment with global best practices. Collaboration is key; involving nursing staff in the policy development process fosters ownership and practical insights. Effective communication is essential, using a multi-modal approach such as digital platforms, workshops, and visual aids in clinical areas. Finally, compliance is tracked through regular audits and performance reviews, with policies tied to measurable KPIs. This ensures the policies are not only implemented but also continuously improved to enhance patient safety and care outcomes.

Maintaining High-Quality Patient Care and Compliance 

To maintain high-quality patient care and compliance with regulations, I employ a multi-faceted approach focused on continuous quality improvement (CQI). This includes using real-time data through electronic health records (EHRs) to monitor performance, identifying risks early. Regular audits ensure compliance with international standards, local regulations, and protocols. Staff education and simulation-based training enhance clinical competency. Patient feedback informs care adjustments, improving satisfaction and outcomes. Lastly, multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that patient care aligns with best practices and regulatory guidelines, fostering a proactive, high-standard healthcare environment.

Fostering Collaboration to Ensure Comprehensive Patient Care

Fostering collaboration between nursing staff and other healthcare professionals is essential for comprehensive care. I implement team-based care, where nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals work toward shared goals. Regular interdisciplinary rounds ensure alignment on treatment plans, promoting real-time problem-solving. Using shared electronic health records (EHRs) enhances communication and reduces errors, ensuring continuity in care. Additionally, simulation-based joint training exercises help strengthen teamwork in high-pressure scenarios. Lastly, fostering a culture of open communication encourages input from all professionals, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. This collaborative approach improves outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Future of Nursing and Midwifery

The future of nursing and midwifery is marked by trends like increased use of technology and patient-centered care. Aspen Medical Health Care Fiji is preparing for these changes by training nurses to integrate electronic medical records and advanced patient monitoring systems. We're also embedding patient-centered care, prioritizing health equity and patient experience through the Quintuple Aim framework. Collaboration between healthcare professionals and a focus on staff well-being is essential, and we’re committed to ensuring our workforce can meet the demands of evolving healthcare trends, especially through our Public-Private Partnership model in Fiji. 

Advice to Professionals in the Nursing and Midwifery

My key advice for nursing and midwifery professionals is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. Stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices to enhance your skills and provide top-quality care. Strong communication and teamwork are equally vital, as collaboration greatly impacts patient outcomes. Additionally, prioritize self-care and resilience to manage the demands of the profession effectively. Lastly, always advocate for both your patients and the profession, as your voice plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies and advancing the field.