By Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM
Winter is a magical time of the year when people from all walks of life come together to celebrate various holidays. As a case manager, you play a vital role in supporting individuals and families during this joyful season, so let’s take an opportunity to explore ways to embrace the holiday spirit, enhance client experiences, and create meaningful connections.
The winter season brings together a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. As a case manager, it is crucial to respect and celebrate the diversity of your clients. Take the time to learn about their customs, beliefs, and holiday practices. Understanding their unique backgrounds will allow you to provide more personalized support and foster a sense of belonging during this festive time. The holiday season is a perfect time to spread joy and kindness. Encourage participation in acts of giving and volunteering, such as collecting donations for a local shelter or organizing a food drive.
Remember that Winter can be a challenging time for many individuals, especially those dealing with mental health issues. As a case manager, prioritize mental well-being centered around stress management and self-care during the holiday season. Encourage the practices of mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and maintaining healthy routines. Remember, a little self-care can go a long way!
Building strong relationships in our practice is essential, and the holidays provide an excellent opportunity to strengthen those connections. Take the time to recognize and nurture those existing connections and make the effort to create new ones to add more resources to your case management toolbox.
By embracing diversity, spreading joy, supporting mental well-being, and cultivating connections, you can create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and celebrated. Let this holiday season be a time of compassion, understanding, and unity. Happy holidays!
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Bio: Dr. Colleen Morley DNP RN CCM CMAC CMCN ACM-RN FCM is the Associate Chief Clinical Operations Officer, Care Continuum for University of Illinois Health System and the current President of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors. She has held positions in acute care as Director of Case Management at several acute care facilities and managed care entities in Illinois, overseeing Utilization Review, Case Management and Social Services for over 14 years; piloting quality improvement initiatives focused on readmission reduction, care coordination through better communication and population health management. Her current passion is in the area of improving health literacy. She is the recipient of the CMSA Foundation Practice Improvement Award (2020) and ANA Illinois Practice Improvement Award (2020) for her work in this area. Dr. Morley also received the AAMCN Managed Care Nurse Leader of the Year in 2010 and the CMSA Fellow of Case Management designation in 2022. Her 1st book, “A Practical Guide to Acute Care Case Management”, published by Blue Bayou Press was released in February, 2022. Dr. Morley has over 20 years of nursing experience. Her clinical specialties include Med/Surg, Oncology and Pediatric Nursing. She received her ADN at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL; BSN at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL, MSN from Norwich University in Northfield, VT and her DNP at Chamberlain College of Nursing.