I remember a time when there was a heated discussion on whether or not case management was “really” the practice of nursing. I always thought this was folly because being a nurse is more than having someone spill their bodily fluids on you (and I re-wrote that sentence ten times to make it palatable for all audiences). Of course case management is the practice of nursing. The first (and I mean first before hand washing) thing you learn as an RN is that you are an advocate for your patient/client. You look out for their best interests. You cheer lead for them and do everything in your power to make sure things go their way. As a case manager with the special needs population, my job is to help turn lemons into lemonade.
The was brought home to me this afternoon. I received an email from a great attorney we work with resolving a long standing issue a client of mine has been dealing with (and that sentence was also re-written about ten times to be HIPPA compliant). I was so happy for my client and immediately called and congratulated them on the favorable outcome. My reaction was birthed by my advocacy.
So to all of my case management nursing colleagues who have felt marginalized because we’ve hung up our scrubs for suits and given up our stethoscopes for briefcases, remember that you are still very much a nurse. You advocate, intervene, and frequently move heaven, earth and the occasional public welfare agency for the betterment of your client. Well done.
I realize nurses’ week was a couple of weeks ago but props are still in order.
