By Mary Kim Brown, RN
A nurse is often asked, "Why did you choose to be a nurse?" The path begins with a rigorous college curriculum that lays a foundation of knowledge. With the capping ceremony and graduation, a nurse steps out from the safety of college to the world that lies ahead. The words in the Florence Nightingale Pledge will echo in your head. "I solemnly pledge myself before God … to practice my profession faithfully…and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care."
While nursing may be a career, it is also a calling that allows one to help others entrusted to our care. The intervention involving hands-on care helps a patient achieve healing and become whole. A nurse case manager uses her foundation of learning in countless ways every day. As care is provided, there are numerous teaching opportunities along the way—helping a patient understand their diagnosis and treatment options, advocating for the patient's choice(s), and providing guidance for future health and wellness.
The" how" of nursing case management is ever-changing. The current and enhanced technology (tools, equipment, techniques) supports outcomes that were not possible in the past. Case managers use artificial intelligence to anticipate next steps and document the work we are doing. As the medical world moves quickly, it is equally clear that a case manager's heart remains her best tool. Sensing a patient's needs, listening to a patient's (family) story, and providing emotional support are the cornerstones of what case managers do best. While sharing oneself, the case manager receives lessons learned from a patient. These lessons include:
- The importance of HOPE in healing, for recovery, and a future beyond illness.
- Having FAITH in the medical team and God that there can be a happy ending.
- The ability to DREAM—envisioning a normalcy that returns after serious illness or injury.
- Finding JOY as you learn that you are healed and return to "living" once again.
- Seeing HUMOR in the routine/work that is medical care.
- Learning what PERSEVERANCE and DETERMINATION are truly about—it can be very hard work to get well.
- Meeting challenges with GRACE—sometimes it is how you do something, not what you do.
These lessons are readily shared with others. Learning is never complete, and sharing knowledge is what case management is all about.
In closing, embrace your calling and passion for case management. Never forget to treasure your heart and how it guides you. I hope that this Maya Angelou quote inspires you. "As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients, their families, and ourselves. They may forget your name but they will never forget how you made them feel."
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Bio: Mary Kim Brown earned her bachelor nursing degree from Viterbo College in 1983. She has over 40 years of professional nursing experience. She worked 10 years in behavioral health at St. Luke’s Medical Center (Phoenix, AZ). She transitioned to insurance case management in 1995 and currently is employed by American Health Holding as maternity case manager. Mary Kim has been active in CMSA for 25 years and spent several years as the president of RING (Rehabilitation Integrated Health Network), an association of rehabilitation nurses and clinicians with a workers compensation focus in Phoenix. Mary Kim was a CVS Paragon award winner in 2022. She embraces the heart of nursing and nurturing the patients served.