By Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM
This quote is attributed to various thinkers, most commonly Confucius and Mark Twain. After taking many turns on this crazy journey called life, I found my way back to my first love, nursing, and through that, discovered the world of Case Management. 2024 is a major milestone year for me; my 25th anniversary in Nursing and 20th year in the specialty/profession of Case Management. What a ride it’s been!
Working in your passion field is like tapping into a never-ending reservoir of energy, motivation, and fulfillment. Unlike conventional jobs that may offer stability but little in the way of emotional reward, a career driven by passion adds a dynamic, almost magical quality to your professional life. This is why working in the field of professional case management is simply AWESOME for me.
The cornerstone of any fulfilling job is a high level of job satisfaction, and nothing boosts this more than doing what you love. The tasks that might seem tedious in another setting transform into engaging challenges. What others might call "work," you call "purpose," thereby bridging the conventional dichotomy between professional obligations and personal fulfillment.
When you're passionate about your work, the drive to excel comes naturally. You’re not merely interested in meeting the bare minimum requirements; you aim for mastery. This makes you a natural magnet for opportunities for career advancement, industry recognition, and collaborations that can open even more doors.
Working in a field you're passionate about also makes you more adaptable and resilient to change. You're more willing to pivot, learn new skills, and step out of your comfort zone. This is especially beneficial in today’s job market where adaptability is highly prized.
Passion fuels creativity. When you love what you do, you're continually thinking about different angles and approaches to your work. This level of engagement creates fertile ground for innovation, which not only makes your job more interesting but also contributes to your field.
When you work in your passion field, networking doesn't feel like networking. It feels like community building. The connections you make are genuine and based on mutual interests and respect. These relationships can offer emotional support, inspire new ideas, and sometimes lead to other fantastic opportunities.
Working in your passion field increases the likelihood of a long, fulfilling career. Burnout is less of a concern when your profession is also your passion. Your enthusiasm and drive will leave a lasting impact, contributing to a legacy that extends beyond the tenure of your career.
The benefits of working in your passion field resonate on both professional and personal levels, enriching your life in ways that a regular job seldom can. It’s a journey filled with a sense of purpose, boundless energy, and a consistent drive to be better. In a world where work forms a significant part of our lives, what could be more awesome than transforming it into a meaningful, joyous adventure? For me, that’s Case Management!!!
Kickstart your 2024 continuing education with CMSA Case Management Boot Camp! Don't miss this unique opportunity to start strong in case management, learn about other CM practice areas, or get back to basics. Join us in Nashville for an unforgettable learning experience! WHEN: March 8-10, 2024 - WHERE: Nashville, TN
Explore ethical practices, healthcare reimbursement, versatile skill sets, communication techniques, and more over two and a half days of in-person instruction. Register Now to Elevate Your Case Management Skills: https://cmsapmg.wpenginepowered.com/cmsa-boot-camp/
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.