By Jenny Quigley-Stickney MSN RN MHA MA CCM ACM-RN, CMAC, CPHM, FCM 

As I move from volunteerism activities at the CMSA national level to my local chapter, the Case Management Society of New England, I am often asked by attendees why they should be in the organization. Some of these members are new members, some new to the field, and some look at why, as they have been in the field for a while, it would make sense to keep committing to a professional organization. I usually begin the discussion by sharing my personal goals, often reflected in how  I can grow and increase knowledge from year to year through my long-time commitment to volunteerism with both CMSA and CMSNE New England Chapter of the Case Management community.

I look at the types of specialized education I may want to develop for my personal growth or professional advancement as a case manager. Next, I look at how my mentoring or collaborating with fellow case managers can help guide new members looking for professional advancement or leadership skills.  I also like to look at how collaboration with other members in the field can provide the ability to form bonds that lead to exceptional educational webinars, presentations, or articles to help enhance the professional field of case management.  

I like to reflect on why I commit to a professional organization such as the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) and what the benefits are within a professional organization, or better said, this particular professional organization. I share my knowledge with my peers and accept input from my esteemed colleagues to help me continue developing professionally. This year, I prepared for what I fondly call the void of in-person conferences and limited time to network and connect with other professional case managers. Of course, these are the months for me, January and February here in New England (the winter months), in which everything is shut down due to the environment, and our ability to get out limits most in-person educational learning. 

Often, as a Board of Director member and member of the CMSA community, people ask me why it is important to engage in an organization focused on case management education and knowledge. What benefits can each of us gain from being part of an organization? As leaders in case management, how does our organizational culture enhance both leadership and the culture within the case management community? I am asked this question so often I find it essential to have well-thought-out responses to share with members.

Recently, I came across an article written by a local group I enjoy following in the local newspaper called SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). For anyone unfamiliar with SCORE their purpose and mission is to have retired leaders work with current local businesses to help them develop, grow and build their work cultures.  In this article entitled “Staying Relevant by Embracing Lifelong Learning”, I thought I would share it and its perceptions with my colleagues as to why it is important to belong to such an organization as CMSA. This beautifully written article mirrors my reasons for embracing this professional organization. 

This recent article by SCORE gave me a clear overview of why belonging to a professional organization allows you to embrace lifelong learning. This month, as membership is discussed at CMSA  and locally within the chapters and discounted benefits offered, think about the following as to why you might want to join CMSA and the value you can bring to yourself and the organization. 

Some of the best practices for leadership to develop and grow is to cultivate cultures that embrace development and enhancement. First, a professional organization should foster a learning culture mindset. Lifelong learning is essential for leaders to stay relevant, adaptable, and effective in an ever-changing world.  

A learning mindset allows a case manager to invest in their own professional development, encourages mentorship and coaching, promotes a work community focused on active learning, creates collaborative learning opportunities, incorporates microlearning, encourages reflection and self-assessment, integrates learning into  everyday case management work, and enhances your ability to establish best practices. 

One of the few truths I have personally learned about being in a professional organization is that leaders in the workforce who create a commitment to lifelong learning develop team members who engage in their own personal development. Managers and leaders who invest in a deliberate, supportive approach to learning while fostering self-reflection and self-assessment create a team culture for advancement and growth. Strengthening the case management culture or community. These practices drive both work and professional organizations and create healthcare cultures that maintain a futuristic focus within a rapidly evolving world. So, why not come along for the journey and join our case management community or gift a friend entry into the organization through a scholarship program for National and chapter membership or better ask your boss to incorporate membership to help your team develop knowledge together? 

After all, CMSA is the best knowledge investment you can make for your professional growth.  Why else would I keep recommitting after so many years? The enrichment and mentorship alone is worth joining.  No other professional organization could provide such a rich culture for personal and professional development. 
SCORE tips from Mark Goldberg Certified Score Mentor Cape Cod Times September 22, 2024 

As a CMSA member, you’re part of a community of professionals who share your commitment to quality care, advocacy, and continuous learning.

🔗 Join today and connect with thousands of like-minded individuals ready to support you: https://cmsa.org/membership/

Bio: Jenny Quigley-Stickney RN, BSN, MSN, MHA, MA, CCM ACM-RN, CMAC, CPHM FCM is a professional case manager serving over 30 years in roles across the continuum of care. She manages traumatically injured patients TBI, CVA and spinal cord working in acute rehabilitation, hospital-based home care, outpatient rehabilitation case and acute care management for vascular and trauma patients. Jenny has served as both a patient case manager and advocate. She facilitates navigation for both the patient and family through all levels of transitions of care to promote successful health outcomes. Professionally, Jenny has been heavily involved in politics with the Nurse Licensure Compact and telehealth bills to promote new models of healthcare in the state of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Jenny has been an active member locally for the Case Management Society of New England (CMSNE) serving on the board for the last 10 years. Jenny has held many roles at CMSNE from Director, Vice President, President Elect, President and past President. Jenny served the chapter working on the Hospital based Conference and Annual CMSNE conferences. Jenny has also presented both locally and nationally for both CMSNE and the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) regarding public policy legislation. Jenny is the past chair for CMSA Public Policy Committee and has been active over the last 10 years with CMSNE Public Policy Committee as chair and a committee member. Jenny has collaborated locally with both Massachusetts Nurse Association and Massachusetts Hospital Association for passage of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact and telehealth legislation and lobbying. Jenny currently serves on the Board of Directors for CMSA working on the CMSA Today Editorial Board, CMSA Annual Conference and Sponsorship Committee. Jenny received her BS at Boston College (BC), earned her first Masters in Counseling, Nursing degree at Cape Cod Community College, BSN and MSN/MHA at University of Phoenix and plans to start soon on her doctorate in nursing.