Case Managers are leaders. Ways to Demonstrate YOU are a Leader is to take on responsibilities and challenges that most others shy away from. Case managers can demonstrate their leadership traits in the following ways:
- When we toot our own horn, we celebrate successes and share information with our leadership and colleagues. Tooting Your Own Horn is not just about self-promotion; it’s about ensuring that your value and contributions are recognized. Many say, ‘I am just doing my job.’ That is true, but when you achieve positive outcomes, you need to share the information to be acknowledged for your hard work.
- Join and be active in your professional organization. Joining your professional organization is a responsibility we all need to adhere to. Invest in yourself and I guarantee you will get far more back from the work you do than you pay in dues!
- Get published. Share your challenges, successes, and news in professional journals, social media, and other outlets that are open to you.
- Present at local, regional and national conferences. Share your stories by presenting a session at a conference. Achieving successful outcomes and how you handle challenges need to be shared so others can learn. Passing on our successes is important so we help others who experience the same challenges.
- If your professional organization has a Fellowship Program, consider applying. According to the Case Management Society of America, earning a Fellowship indicates a high level of demonstrated proficiency in the professional practice of case management, showing a commitment to knowledge through continuing education and publication, and establishing Fellows as influencers to the profession’s growth. FCMs are recognized leaders of the case management community, ambassadors of the profession, visionaries, strategic thinkers, mentors, authors, speakers, leaders, and facilitators.
- Seek a leadership position in the organization you work for, your professional organization, or your community. Get involved—be the one who helps to make changes to address the problems we see in practice. You can start by volunteering for a committee or within your professional organization. Your voice is powerful!
- If you are interested in politics, use your voice to advocate for candidates who you believe in and will support the programs you feel are important on the local, state and federal level. Remember YOU are an expert in healthcare and see the ramifications of the laws and regulations passed. Your voice is not just important, it’s powerful. Using your voice to affect change can make a significant impact on the future of healthcare.
Thank you for reading this post. If you have questions or want ideas on things you can do and how to get involved, email me at allewellyn48@gmail.com, and we can connect!
Anne Llewellyn, MS, BHSA, RN, CRRN, CMGT-BC, BCPA, FCM, 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 topics such as digital health, workers’ compensation, case
management, and the importance of educating people to be their own best healthcare advocates.
Anne has a strong following from healthcare professionals who follow her for
information, events, and trends impacting health and healthcare. Anne also mentors nurses and
other healthcare professionals to learn about the practice of case management and patient
advocacy. You can learn more about Anne and her work by visiting her website at
https://nursesadvocates.com You can reach Anne by email at allewellyn48@gmail.com.