CMSA Membership: Making the Case for Case Management

By Laura Ostrowsky, RN, CCM

What can membership in CMSA do for me, you ask?

The answer is simple.

Case Management is rewarding and exhilarating work but also frustrating. I think we can all agree that as Case Managers we often feel underappreciated, misunderstood, overlooked……

I know I have. That is why I became involved in CMSA. CMSA recognizes our work and provides national recognition for our profession and a platform for sharing knowledge and expertise. Local chapters nurture and promote CM professional development. Involvement in a chapter provides us with the ability to network with our peers, share our knowledge, learn from each other, earn continuing education credits, and more importantly at least for me, provides positive feedback, people who encourage and value me as a person and a professional. It makes me feel less alone. Sometimes it feels like the only people that really understand the value of my work and what I do are other case managers.

Talk about a return on investment. Friendships both personal and professional, whatever you give to the chapter the returns are exponential. My time with the chapter as a participant, then a volunteer, and later a board member inspired me to take chances – I submitted articles, entered competitions to showcase my program, and developed presentations.

I invite you to join us. My involvement has promoted my growth both professionally and personally. Opportunities for involvement and enrichment abound. Come work with us, we have committees on education, membership, technology, and public policy.

I am inspired by this organization and my colleagues; together we continue to make a difference in healthcare. CMSA chapters and our national organization define us as a profession. CMSA members educate not only the public but other healthcare professionals about our role in the delivery of quality, cost-effective health care. Join us and get involved, educate consumers and providers every chance you get. It is up to all of us to promote an expanded understanding of the significance of case management, to be involved and engaged so that whatever form health care delivery takes, Case Management has a key role in leading, influencing, and transforming. Case managers are a force for shaping the future of health care. Join CMSA to make a difference.

Visit https://cmsapmg.wpenginepowered.com/membership/individual-membership/ to learn more!