CMSA Today - Issue 4, 2021

ASSOCIATION NEWS

restore hope in patients, revitalize work place culture or re-brand oneself for new opportunities. It’s an exciting time as we pause and enjoy the beauty around us. Sometimes we must look in different places to find what is blooming, but the blooms are definitely present. The seasons of 2021 are filled with metaphors that depict CMSA evolving into full bloom. In addition to the inspirational articles in this issue, be sure to read about the annual membership conference that is just around the corner! I am SO excited about this year’s virtual conference. The online platform will give me the ability to experience much more that I could possibly achieve otherwise, and I can’t wait! The summer conference will be an explosion of “many blooms” as speakers share new information through our educational programs. Companies, vendors and organizations are excited to share their offerings and may just be the spark that re-ignites your passion for helping patients/ clients navigate a complicated system to manage complex care issues. Our partners are also ready to demonstrate how they can help and support our profession. This year’s conference will provide fun and unique ways of networking and collaboration. All I can say is that you must see it to believe it, so register now! Case managers continue to demonstrate how we can transform adversity into tri umph. In many ways, we are a beacon of hope and resilience for families who are traveling what may seem to be impossible roads to recovery. This is what we do, and I am inspired by our profession every day. Similarly, CMSA is poised to uplift the case management profession as it prepares for a healthcare arena of new possibilities. CMSA celebrates where we have been and boldly launches into a journey of uncharted waters to stake our claim in the evolving world of healthcare, public policy and a beautiful bouquet of partnerships. Are you ready? If not, be inspired by this issue…unstick… refresh…and let’s push on and upward! ■

THE CASE MANAGER’S PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

CMSA supports the professional growth of our members and the entire case manager community throughout their career. Each destination in a case manager’s career is a critical step in their educational journey, with each step building upon the previous one, creating a pyramid of knowledge and skills to support success. CMSA is here to help at every destination and every moment in between. Enjoy your trip!

The first step in a case manager’s journey is to know and understand the guidelines and expectations for patient/client advo cacy and care coordination regardless of practice setting. Adoption and adaptation of the CMSA Standards of Practice for Case Management are the foundation for growth as a professional case manager and should be a requirement for all professionals new

to case management or organizations inter ested in standardizing case management practice. RESOURCE: CMSA Standards of Professional Case Management Practice Course : This is a 32-hour online course that examines all 15 Standards in detail and pro vides a professional video vignette of the Standard at each module’s conclusion.

Here, the novice case manager can hone their skills to become more proficient in communication and documentation; com fortable with industry standards, quality measures and reimbursement models; and grow as a professional learner to manage conflict, comfort the grieving and commit to life-long learning. Many in-demand skillsets and hands-on practical experience are not learned or available early in a case manager’s

career, and there exists a need to improve practice and competence sooner than later. RESOURCE: CM Bootcamp : This is an inter active program that uses activities similar to real life for a more genuine experience. Key topics covered include professionalism, communication, regulatory issues, reim bursement, advanced case management processes, emerging trends and finding a mentor. Release date – Fall 2021.

Melanie A. Prince, MSN, BSN, NE-BC, CCM, FAAN President of the Case Management Society of America

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CMSA TODAY

Issue 4 • 2021