In the healthcare sector, effective leadership is essential to address challenges and meet growing expectations of quality, access, and cost control. One healthcare leader who exemplifies these qualities is Robin A. Bleier, with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Her journey from a nursing assistant to a Health Care Risk Manager (HCRM) reflects her commitment to healthcare.
Career Evolution
Robin’s career in healthcare began in 1982 as a nursing assistant and pharmacy technician while pursuing her education to become an LPN. She later continued her studies to become an RN and eventually a Health Care Risk Manager. Her career has spanned roles from direct care to COO positions. Robin now owns and operates RB Health Partners, Inc., where she has spent over 20 of her 40 years in healthcare. She considers it a blessing to work in healthcare, particularly in Long-Term Care (LTC), valuing her team members and long-standing client relationships.
Expertise in Long-Term Care
As a subject matter expert in long-term care, Robin focuses on risk management and regulatory compliance. She has co-authored national articles and manuals and speaks nationally on these topics. RB Health Partners, Inc. is a woman-owned healthcare consulting firm specializing in LTC, providing a wide range of services, including analytics, compliance, clinical services, risk management, and more. The firm serves individual skilled and assisted living homes, healthcare associations, and governmental entities, offering recommendations based on evaluations, professional standards, and regulatory guidelines.
Leading with Passion
As President of RB Health Partners, Robin acknowledges the dedication of her team members. Their shared values include commitment, kindness, and care for others, which extend to clients and the residents in the centers they serve. She actively engages in billable services, teaching, training, marketing, and administrative tasks, emphasizing hands-on involvement and accessibility to clients.
Robin and her team actively participate in LTC groups and organizations to stay current with industry rules, regulations, and trends. Their combined experience provides practical insights into healthcare challenges and best practices.
Life Philosophy
Robin’s journey into healthcare was inspired by her desire to help people, and she values compassion, commitment, fairness, and lifelong learning. She enjoys nature, the outdoors, and quiet moments in life. She is happily married to Walter Kittle, a retired chiropractor and accomplished composer.
She believes that making mistakes is part of life and seeks collaborative solutions to prevent their recurrence. For Robin, passion is a driving force, and life experiences, both positive and challenging, shape personal growth.
Future Vision
Robin recognizes staffing and labor as major challenges in healthcare. She emphasizes the need for leaders to stay engaged and interact with their teams, even as they handle floor duties. She envisions RB Health Partners continuing to inspire and support clients to excel in providing long-term care services.
Leader’s Perspective
What changes do you wish to bring to society? Robin emphasizes the importance of kindness in society. While accountability is crucial for personal growth, she believes that more kindness can make a significant difference in people’s lives.
What do you consider to be your most outstanding achievement so far, and why? Robin’s most outstanding achievement is building a skilled and respected team that excels in teaching, training, and providing valuable insights to clients. Her goal is to be the best employer possible, allowing the team to focus on clients’ needs.
How will you precisely know what success looks like for you? Success, for Robin, is marked by clients choosing to act on the advice and recommendations of her team out of trust and partnership. Success also involves having a happy and productive team.
What advice would you give emerging leaders and enthusiasts considering a career in the healthcare sector? Robin’s advice to healthcare leaders, especially in Long-Term Care, is to combine compassion and flexibility with knowledge and commitment. These qualities are essential for success in the healthcare industry.