By Elaine Bruner, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC, FCM
Proudly wearing red conference badge ribbons adorned with stars, over forty (40) MVD case managers attended the 2026 CMSA conference in Las Vegas. Our networking began during the Wednesday opening session, where tables were available to bring MVD case managers together. There was plenty of camaraderie as we greeted colleagues we had not seen in 3-5 years or more. It was thrilling to visit with case managers from Fort Carson, CO, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Walter Reed National Medical Center, TRICARE, and VA Healthcare locations across the country. The MVD Planning Committee co-chairs, Elaine Bruner, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC, FCM, and Lori Bruce, MSN, RN, were easy to spot in their patriotic headbands and blinking necklaces. Even the non-MVD case managers enjoyed the red, white, and blue finery!
On Wednesday, June 17, MVD case managers gathered for a round table discussion covering transitions of care, resources, current challenges, and so much more. Smooth communication between our inter-professional teams was a repeated theme as we facilitate services across levels of care, locations, and providers. This was especially highlighted by a colleague based in Germany who was struggling to connect with resources for service members. It was a wonderful opportunity to share experiences, and our discussion could have continued for much longer than sixty minutes, as people exchanged contact information, ideas, and resources.
Several MVD case managers were speakers for the 2026 conference. Lori Bruce, MSN, RN offered a session, Empowering Case Managers through Shared Governance Practices. Her content outlined how case management practice aligns with shared governance principles and uses shared governance strategies to enhance quality improvement and professional growth. A panel from the Department of Veterans Affairs, led by Crystal Godeau, DPT discussed VA/DoD Care Coordination within the VA Polytrauma System of Care. Additional panel members were Maureen Wolff, BSN, RN, Selina Doncevic, MSN, RN, CRRN, Kendra Manning, MS, BSN, RN, and April Cerqua, MSW. They shared essential referral and care coordination elements, plus points of contact for the VA polytrauma programs. Elaine Bruner, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC, FCM, shared two concurrent sessions. On Thursday, Elaine offered Professional Case Managers and Spirituality Assessment. Participants defined key terms, discussed the impact of spirituality during healthcare journeys, and explored appropriate assessment elements. Elaine’s second session on Friday, Life Doesn’t Stop: Surviving and Thriving with Complex Conditions, gave case managers an intimate view of living with catastrophic illness, family-shaped care, and the appropriateness of whole-person case management during complex, catastrophic healthcare journeys.
Over the four days in Las Vegas, MVD case managers mixed and mingled, sharing their unique roles caring for service members and veterans with the wider audience. A few were seen in the casino and enjoying a variety of restaurants. Many agreed that the CMSA conference is the one time a year when they have in-person connections with their MVD colleagues and were happy to attend the annual conference in Las Vegas.
Ready to learn more or join our MVD community? The MVD Special Interest Group (SIG) meets quarterly, and the next meeting is September 23; check the CMSA website for the announcement and registration. MVD Days 2026 are October 24 and November 7, offering two half-days of content with eight (8) CEs. Speakers are confirmed so registration will be posted soon. Check your e-mail for details and registration.
Thank you to all the MVD case managers who came to the 2026 conference, and we hope to see you, June 22-25, 2027, in Orlando at the Coronado Springs Resort!
Case managers spend their careers advocating for others. But who advocates for the caregiver? This powerful session explores resilience, self-advocacy, mental health awareness, and how personal experiences can strengthen professional practice. Access now: https://bit.ly/4pQ3GE5
Bio: Elaine is an experienced nurse, case manager and educator. She completed her undergraduate studies with the State University of New York at Platttsburgh, followed by her graduate work with the University of Virginia. Prior to entering case management practice, Elaine worked in diverse settings including oncology, nutrition support, home health, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Case management offered Elaine opportunities to join transdisciplinary teams in cardiology, critical care, and ambulatory care. Since 2008, she has been associated with American Nurses Credentialing Commission, contributing to the Nursing Case Management (NCM) certification review products. She co-authored the 4th edition of the NCM Review and Resource Manual, with Peggy Leonard, and was the faculty for live workshops and webinar presentations. Elaine embraces her educator role, authoring manuscripts in CMSAToday, offering continuing education presentations, and coaching case managers to certification success. Elaine's current role, with US Navy, offers daily challenges, keeps her skills sharp and a smooth transition to retirement.