Celebrating Case Managers, I have been a nurse case manager since 1988.
Like many others, I entered the practice without knowing what case management was. Still, we worked together to develop a definition, standards of practice, and an ethical statement that guides practice.
We did this by coming together to support a common cause: ensuring that each person who enters the healthcare system receives the proper care at the right time, in the least restrictive setting, for the most cost-effective price.
We said our role was to ‘work ourselves out of a job’ because we educated the patient, the family, and all healthcare team members to work together for a common cause – to empower the patient to have a voice and a stake in the game.
We knew that when we do this, the patient and their family take up the mantle and become active members of their care team because they are part of the team. They speak up for what they want—even if it is not the treatment team’s recommendation—because it is their care plan.
People depend on a case manager to help them navigate the complex system of insurance, hospital rules, and other areas that 99% of the population is unaware of.
We help them break down barriers and give them a voice in a system that does not listen.
Today, as I walk toward retirement, I am hopeful that those behind me will take up the challenge and continue to be there for patients, their families, and all healthcare team members. Together, we can help one patient at a time improve care delivery for all.
Today, case management is different than when I entered the practice. That is because healthcare is different. The case managers who take up my role and the roles of others have a challenge working in a complex healthcare system where money is the driver. Humanizing healthcare will be up to them, so we remember that the patient and their family should be what we focus on.
This new generation will take charge, helping all stakeholders remember that the patient and the family are the center of the healthcare system. They need each team member to work with them, help them set realistic expectations, and work with the team to meet the patient’s goals.
Today’s case manager role requires courage, perseverance, education, and the ability to work with a team that includes the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
Thank you for all you do!
Anne Llewellyn, MS, BHSA, RN, CRRN, CMGT-BC, BCPA, CMF, is a registered nurse with 50+ years of clinical experience. She is a nurse advocate and a digital journalist who writes for various e-newsletters on digital health, workers’ compensation, case management, and educating people to be their best healthcare advocates.
Anne has a strong following of healthcare professionals who follow her for information on events and trends impacting health and healthcare. Anne also mentors nurses and other healthcare professionals to learn about case management and patient advocacy.
Learn more about Anne and her work by visiting her website at www.nursesadvocates.com. You can also reach Anne by email at allewellyn48@gmail.com.