Leaders at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital are stepping into the roles of their frontline colleagues through the “Walking in Your World” initiative, an immersive program designed to give administrators a firsthand look at daily operations and challenges faced by caregivers. The program calls for hospital leaders to set aside meetings, wear scrubs, and shadow nurses, patient care technicians, and other staff members to gain insights that can guide operational improvements.
The initiative has become a monthly tradition at Englewood Hospital, offering executives an opportunity to participate directly in patient care, assessments, and discussions about efficiency and safety. Leaders rotate through different departments, from medical-surgical units to specialty care areas, assisting with hands-on tasks and observing the workflow.
By joining their teams on the floor, leaders are able to better identify obstacles, streamline processes, and strengthen communication between management and frontline staff. The program aims to foster a deeper understanding of the day-to-day realities of hospital work, ensuring that decisions are informed by practical experience and aligned with the needs of both patients and employees.
The effort is part of the hospital’s broader commitment to staff engagement, operational excellence, and patient-centered care. Insights gathered during these shadowing sessions help inform policies, resource allocation, and staff support initiatives. Hospital leaders plan to continue the program as an ongoing tool for leadership development, collaboration, and improving both employee satisfaction and patient outcomes.
