October 11-17, 2020, is National Case Management Week (NCMW), and Intrepid USA is proud to celebrate case management professionals across the country.
Case managers make a difference in patients’ lives every day. They are responsible for the assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy to meet an individual’s health needs and promote quality, cost-effective outcomes.
This year has been different, and home health case management professionals across the country have been challenged by the ongoing pandemic. Discover unique resources for caregiver burnout to manage stress on the job.
Still, patient case managers are stepping up – not back – to positively impact patients across the care continuum.
In celebration of National Case Management Week 2020, Intrepid USA will spotlight several case managers this week. Check back here to learn more about these amazing case management professionals!
Pricilla Rudd, RN BSN
Employer Name: LewisGale Hospital Pulaski
How long have you been a case manager? 15 years
What made you decide to become a case manager? I love working with patients and their families. I had worked in home health for years seeing people in their homes. After getting into home health management, I was more office-bound and I missed the patient interaction. Hospital case management is the best. Since I worked in home health care, I am able to help set up discharge plans appropriate for my patients’ needs.
What is your favorite thing about your job? I love meeting new people every day and interacting with the patients and their families.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a case manager? Case management is my favorite job so far. Sometimes it can be a very difficult job because people come from all walks of life and sometimes their situations are complicated. Finding the resources the patient needs can be time-consuming, but the reward is great. Case management allows the use of nursing knowledge and community resources to blend a plan that can help people into a better state of health.
Talley Flowers
Employer Name: Henderson County Community Hospital
How long have you been a case manager? 6 1/2 years
What made you decide to become a case manager? I wanted explore other options in the nursing field.
What is your favorite thing about your job? The people I work with.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a case manager? Make sure you have plenty of experience in med surg first. Then you have a good knowledge base for case management.
Elizabeth Davis
Employer Name: Encompass Deaconess Health Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital
How long have you been a case manager? Just at a little over 2 years.
What made you decide to become a case manager? I LOVE helping others.
What is your favorite thing about your job? Seeing miracles discharge our hospital and return to their community.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a case manager? My advice would be to always keep your heart and smile. Buckle up and go with the flow!
Andrea Hataway, RN BSN
Employer Name: LewisGale Hospital of Pulaski
How long have you been a case manager? 3 years
What made you decide to become a case manager? I worked in home health for 18 years. I decided to leave patient care and return to the hospital where I could give referrals rather than receive them. I decided I could still provide an excellent patient experience without direct hands-on care.
What is your favorite thing about your job? I cannot name one specific thing I love about my job because I have the best boss and coworkers. If I had to decide on 1 thing, it would be the flexibility and lack of micromanaging from my boss.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a case manager? I would recommend a nurse spend some time out in the field understanding home health or even SNF. Understanding what goes on after a patient is discharged gives you a better idea of what to expect when trying to assist with discharge planning.
Robyn Pryor
Employer Name: Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute
How long have you been a case manager? Since 1992.
What made you decide to become a case manager? I enjoy helping people through their struggles and seeing them overcome their fears and anxieties.
What is your favorite thing about your job? I love seeing people regain their independence. It is great when you can witness someone recognizing that there is still a wonderful life ahead despite a disability.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career as a case manager? Remember to take care of yourself first! You will be more effective if you practice good self-care and boundary setting.
