Presidents Message Winter 2014
GNCCARN
Spring is almost here. As we dream of warmer weather, daffodils are blooming and our thoughts turn to renewal. We look forward to participating in the “Old Region 3 Conference”. GNCCARN, the South Carolina Chapter, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee Chapters all come together and share our talent to continue this opportunity. This year the Bi-Annual Conference is being held in Columbus, Ga April 2-4, 2014. The title of the conference is “Riding the Rapids of Rehabilitation”. It promises to be a wonderful conference with national recognized speakers on a variety of topics. If you need more information you can contact Conference Chair Kathy Clark of the GA chapter. I look forward to this conference to renew relationships both personally and professionally. I will be attending and speaking at this conference and would enjoy seeing some of our members at this meeting. GNCCARN is chairing the Call for Poster for this conference.
Our chapter was also asked to participate at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Professional Organization Fair on March 11, 2014 to share about our organization and how it supports rehabilitation nurses. If other organizations are having this type of meeting please let any of the board know so that we can be there and talk about the benefits of certification, our specialty, and organization.
Although Kathie Fisher has “officially retired” she is busy working on our next beach conference for Spring 2015. Congratulations Kathie and thank you for your tireless contributions to our profession and chapter!
Donna Jernigan, President
Save the Date!ARN's 40th Annual Educational Conference will be held October 29 - November 1, 2014, in Anaheim, CA.Spooky!Mark your calendars!
AM I A REHAB NURSE? Tammy Hudson, RN, CRRN, MHA-RN Health Navigator
Most of the RN’s reading this newsletter are in Acute Inpatient Rehab Facilities (IRFs) and have many things in common with each other. Until May 2012, I was part of that population…and then, life drastically changes. My position as IRF Director was eliminated/consolidated as part of a “right-sizing” effort. After working in an IRF for 21 years, I was unemployed.
After the initial shock wore off, reality set in and it was tough. After a life dedicated to rehab nursing I was not sure what I would do next or “what kind of nurse” I wanted to be! It seemed that my life as a rehab nurse was over.
After about 4 months, I accepted a “clinical documentation improvement manager” position with a local physician group of 85+ practices. This position involved learning valuable information about coding, billing and outpatient documentation. In August 2013, I was presented with the opportunity to become a RN Health Navigator for an internal medicine proactive (same physician group) and I accepted the position.
The past six months have been some the most rewarding of my nursing career. As a Health Navigator in this practice, I am responsible for meeting patients in the office, as well as telephonic contacts. This position has provided an opportunity for me to refresh clinical skills as well as enjoy daily patient contact. I am part of a great interdisciplinary team of patient, significant other, physicians, NP’s, CMA’s, psychologist, social workers and therapists that are all working together to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
There are many success stories and they are celebrated by your team! Numerous patients have gained control of their chronic illnesses and many have stopped smoking, lost weight, started exercising one step at a time, learned to give their insulin injections, become compliant with medication regimen, decreased falls and decreased avoidable hospitalizations.
Like my colleagues in the IRFs I am working with patients with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, CHF, stokes, amputation, spinal cord injuries, pain, cancer, mental illness and other debilitating illnesses. Our patients have similar needs but when I see them in the office or call them they are also struggling with limited/no help at home, low health literacy, loss of job, no money for medication, lack of heat or food - the list goes on. As I work with each individual, I consider the needs of the whole person and offer resources to meet those needs. Each day as I work in my Health Navigator role, I realize that “I am still a Rehab Nurse!”…just in a different setting.