By Carolina Mosley MSN, RN, CPHM, CCM, CPHQ
People often ask, "How did you get into case management?" Followed by "How do you keep the passion?" As I think about Case Management, I would be remiss if I did not tell you about my journey. Let's start in 1999, which differs from the one Prince sang about. I remember the very day as though it happened today. I was a spinal cord rehabilitation nurse. I was responsible for the rehabilitation program for new injuries.
As I was working with my patient, I was injured. I was no longer a spinal cord nurse; I was now a spinal cord patient. I found myself sitting in their shoes, actually, wearing their shoes. Something happens when you put on someone else's shoes! On this new journey, they gave me someone to help me adjust my shoes, workman's compensation case management.
I thought my case manager was there to help me walk in these new shoes! That was not my experience…these shoes were tight! These shoes had minimal traction or give. I started rehab. My journey was long and complex. My case manager did not listen to me or hear me. While in rehab, I decided that if I ever had the opportunity to work again, I would become a case manager. My goal was to listen and treat my patients with respect and care. So, I found myself changing shoes again. I found the right shoes, case management.
I started shining my shoes (education), making sure the fit was right (certification), and walking around in these shoes (practice). These shoes felt good! They were the right size, they looked pretty, and they would take me to places I only dreamed of.
About three months after walking into my practice, I met this patient. We built this relationship. He was a double transplant lung patient. He had been admitted to the hospital with difficulties breathing, and now he was on oxygen. That afternoon, I received his documentation from the hospital. He was still having problems. At the time, I was having difficulties breathing also. My asthma had kicked in. These shoes HERE! Well, I reviewed his documentation, and he was still unstable. My day ended, and I left and went home.
I returned to work the following day and received notification that he was discharged! What!!! I called my patient to ensure that he was ok. Our conversation was amazing. I asked him how was his night. We went through his medication, and then he stopped me. He told me he was alright, but he was afraid for me. He had put on my shoes! I explained that I was having difficulty breathing, and I scheduled a doctor's appointment for that day. I just needed to make sure he was alright. He told me to please go to the doctor. Then he asked if I could call him back and let him know what the doctor said. Our shoes were clicking! Well, my appointment did not fare well. My oxygen saturation was extremely low, and I ended up on oxygen; the following day, my patient called just to see how I was doing and what was the doctors finding. We were twinning with our shoes.
Case management is so impactful. The best thing about case management is the shoes you wear. One must be intentional with it. You find the best pair, assure the fit is just right (certification), keep them shine (education), and then wait to see where they take you. These shoes will have you not just walking, but you will start dancing. What shoes are you wearing today?
Let’s make this anniversary one to remember! CMSA is offering $35 off registration for our 35th Annual Conference in Dallas. Reserve your spot now and join us in celebrating years of case management excellence! 
https://cmsa.societyconference.com/
Use the code CMSA35
Applies to Main Conference Registration only. No single-day registration. May be combined with other discounts. Offer ends December 4.
Bio: Carolina Mosley is a Register Nurse with her Master of Nursing in Education (MSN) and the holds a regional position of Care Coordination and Integrated Case Management for the Midwest consortium. She understood the importance of education, excellence, and the need for growth. She is passionate about quality of care, case management and public speaking. This led to her taking significant steps in expanding her education, which has greatly benefited our veterans. She acquired her, Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor’s in Nursing, and her Master’s in Nursing Education. She has over 38 years of nursing experience and is certified in Quality (CPHQ), Case Management (CCM), and Hospital Management (CPHM), and obtained a Toast Master’s competent communicator gold. She walks in excellence. She believes in Servant Leadership. Simply said…. just serving. She held the Directors position Chicago Case Management Society of America (Chicago -CMSA) and has held the Treasurer position for last 4 years. She is the VA liaison and Chair for DOD/VA Day for Case Management Society of America (CMSA) National Conference. She has also served as a Commissioner of Healthcare Quality Certification Commission (HQCC) for the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ). Member of Zeta Phi Beta Inc. Girl Scout volunteer for local troop. She serves as a Faith Health Commissioner/Minister/Case Manager in her Faith Based Organization. Lastly, she treasures her Toastmasters club, Edward Hines Verbal Aces Club 4098 and have held positions as treasurer and president, and now member for over 10 years.