By Fallon Benavides, RN, DNP, ACM
As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time for reflection and renewal. For case managers, this is an opportunity to set meaningful goals—both personally and professionally—that can positively impact our well-being and, ultimately, the care we provide to our patients.
Goal-setting is a powerful tool. It helps us focus our energy, prioritize what matters most, and measure our progress. As case managers, our goals should align not only with our professional responsibilities but also with our personal wellness. After all, caring for ourselves enables us to care for others more effectively.
The Connection Between Wellness and Patient Care
Wellness looks different for everyone. For some, it may involve engaging in regular exercise or practicing mindfulness. For others, it might mean setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance or seeking opportunities for professional development. Whatever your wellness journey looks like, the ultimate goal is to build resilience, reduce stress, and enhance focus—qualities that directly influence the quality of care we provide.
When we prioritize our wellness, we become better equipped to manage the complexities of our roles. A well-rested, focused, and energized case manager is more likely to identify potential risks, advocate effectively for patients, and navigate complex healthcare systems with confidence.
Goal-Setting Tips for the New Year
1. Make Goals SMART: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying, "I want to improve my work-life balance," aim for "I will leave work by 5 p.m. at least three days a week."
2. Incorporate Wellness: Whether it’s committing to a daily walk, attending a yoga class, or scheduling regular check-ins with colleagues, include wellness-focused goals in your plan.
3. Engage in Professional Development: Set a goal to attend a conference, earn a certification, or write an article for a professional publication. Investing in your growth benefits both you and your patients.
4. Celebrate Small Wins: Progress, not perfection, is the key. Celebrate milestones along the way to stay motivated.
5. Involve Your Team: Share your goals with colleagues or form a group to support each other. A culture of shared wellness can strengthen team dynamics and improve patient outcomes.
My Goals for 2025
I’d like to share my own goals for this year. On a personal level, I plan to enjoy nature more by doing a hike every month, preferably in some new and amazing places. Professionally, I aim to make a better connection with my fellow professionals and work toward becoming a board member in a local chapter. These goals reflect my commitment to personal growth and professional excellence, both of which contribute to better patient care.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
As we step into this new year, let’s remember that our wellness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By setting intentional goals and embracing a holistic approach to wellness, we can enhance not only our own lives but also the lives of the patients and families we serve.
Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth, wellness, and excellence in case management. Here’s to a year filled with purpose, progress, and positive outcomes!
If career growth and networking are some of your 2025 goals, join us in Dallas, Tx for CMSA's 35th anniversary celebration at this years annual conference. Attendees can earn upwards of 75 CE's. Learn more and register here: https://cmsa.org/conference/
Bio: Fallon has 20 years of nursing experience ranging from bedside nursing, critical care to hospital leadership. Graduating in 2004 with a Bachler’s of Science in Nursing from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio Texas. She started her career in nursing at UTMB in Galveston on the Blocker Burn Unit. In 2009 she obtained her Master’s in Nursing Leadership from UTMB Galveston and joined MD Anderson Cancer Center as a nurse manager in their 54 bed ICU. In 2015, she made the transition to case management and currently serves as the Associate Director in the Case Management Department at MD Anderson. In 2020, she graduated from University of Texas Health Science San Antonio with her Doctor of Nursing. She is a certified case manager who serves a busy 750 bed hospital dedicated to oncology patients. In this role she is responsible for assisting patients, physicians and insurance companies navigate the healthcare continuum as well as oversee over 120 employees in the department. Fallon is also adjunct clinical faculty for UTMB School of Nursing, where she helps educate new nurses joining our esteemed profession.