By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM

My journey into case management began a long time ago. As far back as I can remember, I always dreamed of becoming a nurse. There are pictures of me as a child dressed in a "play nurse" outfit, complete with a nurse's cap, stethoscope, and little medicine bag. I even volunteered as a Candy Striper, spending countless hours at our local hospital, loving the environment and the chance to work with patients. My dream came true when I was accepted into the Holzer Hospital School of Nursing—the only program I applied to—and completed the RN program. 

After earning my RN license, I worked in various settings, including med-surg, cardiac step-down, and obstetrics. While working in the hospital, I had the opportunity to mentor student nurses in the clinical area. This experience ignited my passion for teaching—it was the perfect blend of nursing practice and education. After completing my BSN, the local School of Nursing Director invited me to become a nursing instructor. This role allowed me to continue using my nursing knowledge and the principles of adult education. It was the perfect role for me! I continued as a nursing instructor for eighteen years, earning an MSN and a Master of Science in Adult Education.

 Then, life took a turn when my husband was transferred to another state. Our family relocated to a larger city, and I continued working as a nursing instructor. However, it was time for a change after a few years, and I began exploring other options. I was offered a workers' compensation case manager position for a managed care organization. This was my first exposure to case management, and I was instantly hooked! I could apply my nursing knowledge, experience, and organizational skills while learning about a whole new aspect of nursing. I eventually became a Team Leader and Director of Case Management. 

A new opportunity arose when I was offered a position at a health plan as a proactive case manager. In this position, I could use my case management knowledge and the principles of adult education. It was a perfect fit! I was selected to attend the CMSA Annual Conference in Orlando. That first conference left me buzzing with energy and ideas! Seeing several co-workers present a poster at the conference, I knew I wanted to do that, too. After the conference, a group of case managers at the health plan decided to start a CMSA chapter, and I was all in! It was an incredibly exciting time! 

At our local chapter, I started as a committee member, then became a committee chair, and eventually a board of directors member. Each role deepened my commitment to my local chapter. I ultimately became secretary and vice president and served five terms as president! During this time, I became increasingly interested in getting involved at the national level. I served on several committees, eventually chairing some of them. The more I learned about National CMSA, the more I loved it! I decided to run for a national office and was elected CPC representative, which allowed me to connect with other CMSA chapters and serve on the national Board of Directors.

This was a very rewarding experience, and I was sad when my term ended. I really enjoyed being on the Board of Directors for that one year and decided I would run for a director position. Although I was not elected for the director position at that time, I was determined to try again. My second attempt was successful, and I was elected as a board member and later as secretary. When my term as secretary ended, I unsuccessfully ran for president. I did not let that discourage me; it only made me more determined!

A few years later, I successfully ran for secretary of the CMSA Foundation, which broadened my understanding of yet another aspect of case management and opened my eyes to the wonderful things the Foundation is doing. During this time, I developed a love for writing, particularly for CMSA Today. It became an excellent way to share information and experiences. Over the years, I continued to be active in my local chapter, and we received several CMSA Excellence awards. However, I missed the camaraderie and involvement of being a National CMSA Director. So, I decided to run for president again. WOW! What an honor to be elected! I will forever be humbled and blessed by this experience. 

My journey with CMSA has been a rich and fulfilling adventure, offering me countless rewarding opportunities along the way. Each position I have held has been a joy, and I have been continually inspired by the intelligent and dedicated CMSA members I have had the privilege to work with. My passion for case management and CMSA remains as strong as ever. CMSA has opened doors to incredible experiences, from connecting with case managers across the globe to gaining exceptional education, and even meeting my favorite nurse theorist, Dr. Jean Watson. Over the past 22 years, I have only missed two annual conferences! I have been honored to present posters, deliver concurrent sessions, and mentor new writers. This journey continues to be an amazing experience! 

Throughout my career, I have been motivated by a deep desire to give back to the profession that has given me so much—case management. This journey has been rich with education, self-fulfillment, and the opportunity to connect with remarkable people. Case management and CMSA have elevated me beyond what I ever imagined possible, shaping me both personally and professionally. 
 
Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to serve you as your president. 

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Bio: Bio: Janet S. Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is a Fellow of Case Management and a board-certified transplant case manager with a large health plan. She is currently President of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors. She has held positions as a nurse educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. Janet has been a recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award.