Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Medical and Health Services Manager
What medical and health services managers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review overnight census and staffing gaps. From there, the day usually includes manage department or facility budgets, hire, schedule and supervise staff, and keep the organization compliant with regulations. Most work full-time, and many work evenings or weekends when issues come up, since healthcare runs around the clock.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a medical and health services manager working full time.
- Review overnight census and staffing gaps.
- Lead a huddle with department supervisors.
- Meet finance about the quarterly budget.
- Review patient satisfaction scores and complaints.
- Prepare for an upcoming accreditation survey.
- Interview a candidate for a nurse manager role.
- Approve schedules and answer email.
Where medical and health services managers work
Managers work in offices inside hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and health systems, with time on patient units and in meetings.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time, and many work evenings or weekends when issues come up, since healthcare runs around the clock.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Manage department or facility budgets
- Hire, schedule and supervise staff
- Keep the organization compliant with regulations
- Improve quality, safety and patient experience
- Oversee billing, coding and records
- Analyze performance data
- Work with physicians and executives on plans
Tools you’ll use every day
- Electronic health records
- Scheduling and staffing software
- Budget and financial systems
- Quality dashboards
- Spreadsheets
- Video meeting tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Much faster-than-average growth
- High pay
- Improve care for many patients
- Many settings and specialties
What’s hard
- Heavy responsibility and pressure
- Complex regulations
- Long hours at times
- Balancing budgets with care needs
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to lead in healthcare
- I like budgets and data
- I can handle pressure
- I communicate well with clinicians
- I care about quality
- I’m willing to earn advanced education
Not sure? Take the free Medical and Health Services Manager fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow infection control on units
- Protect patient privacy under HIPAA
- Report safety events promptly
- Support staff safety and workplace violence prevention