Every year, I look forward to attending the CMSA Annual Conference. What a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues, develop new relationships, gain new knowledge, be inspired by innovative solutions to challenges we all face, and catch up on the CEUs we all need!

This year is no exception – I look forward to all these things, but what I am most looking forward to is the Keynote speaker for the closing session on day 3 – Dr. Jean Watson, who will be presenting on “The Humanization of Healthcare – The Caring Science of Philosophy and Practice of Human Caring, Healing, and Health.”

As I learned about nursing theories and theorists in school, I appreciated the frameworks and insights they brought to developing and advancing the nursing profession but often felt that they were focused on specific practice areas or populations. However, when I learned more about Dr. Watson and her Theory of Human Caring, I felt an immediate connection and resonance with why I became a nurse, my values, the power of the mind, body, and spirit in healthcare, and how I practice every day.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Watson twice (those who know me know I am a bit of a “fangirl” of hers). When I asked her if she felt that the Theory of Humana Caring and Caritas Principles were as relevant in our contemporary healthcare system, where care often takes place in virtual settings, without hesitation, she responded, “Caring transcends distance, space, and time.” Dr. Watson’s presence exudes caring, connection, and peace, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to see her and connect with her again.

Now you know what I am most excited about at the upcoming CMSA Annual Conference – I will be there – how about you?

Connect with your fellow Case Managers at the 2023 CMSA Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV.  Dr. Jean Watson will deliver a Keynote on the topic of Humanization of Health Care: The Caring Science of Philosophy and Practice of Human Caring, Healing and Health. Register today at: https://cmsa.societyconference.com/v2/

Bio: In her role as Chief Nursing Officer, Kathy oversees Humana’s strategy of improving the experience of Humana’s community of over ten thousand nurses, care managers, social workers, and therapists, promoting a culture where clinicians feel engaged, heard, valued, and inspired while impacting health outcomes. Focus areas include academic practice partnerships, clinician growth and development, and clinician engagement, recognition, and retention. She also leads initiatives to support the health and well-being of Humana’s clinical communities leveraging partnerships across Humana and external partnerships such as the ANA Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation initiative. Kathy collaborates with other leaders of the Humana Home Solutions strategy to best support patient health by advancing capabilities in the home. Prior to Humana, Kathy was Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SeniorBridge, a national Care Management and Homecare company acquired by Humana in 2012. Kathy has more than 30 years of experience in nursing, with a concentration in geriatrics, home care, managed care, and care management. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University and a Master of Science in Nursing Management and Executive Leadership from Sacred Heart University, where she received the Dean’s Leadership Award. Kathy is a Registered Nurse with ANCC Nurse Executive Advanced and Case Management board certifications. Kathy currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees for the American Nurses Foundation and is on the Editorial Board for Case Management Today.