As case management evolves, it is worth noting that it just does not fit into one solid mold. Many times, one thinks of case management with insurance companies, hospitals, rehab and behavioral health. What about school nursing? When making the transition from Bronson Methodist Hospital as a case manager in acute care to Calhoun Intermediate School District as the health clinic supervisor, many thoughts raced through my mind and they still do. How do certified case managers use their skills everyday in a school setting? The answer is that it happens.
Doris Klaussen Developmental Center is a school comprised of approximately 280 students, all with special needs. The students range from emotionally impaired to severely cognitively impaired. The clinic sees approximately 600 students a month with a variety of needs. As clinic supervisor, it is my job to serve as a clinician, advocate, collaborator, health educator and liaison for the students. We are fortunate to have three full-time nurses onsite. DKDC clinic is a site where prevention, early intervention and primary care occur.
Do I have one proud moment? No. My job is my proudest moment. I am fortunate to say everyday when the students enter the school they share their smiles and hugs unconditionally, so when I can be an advocate to any of the students in finding appropriate health care or assist in case managing their chronic illnesses, I know that I am doing my job as a case manager. Collaborating with the variety of therapies we offer, social work and the educators are all part of the grand scheme.
Even as a health clinic supervisor in the school setting, I continue to plan, facilitate, advocate and provide the standards of care. It is my job to work collaboratively with the family, physician and other members of the team to help meet the student’s individual goals.
With this being a new position with CISD, it has been exciting and we have accomplished so much. We continue to develop, implement and evaluate care plans for the students. We have been able to refer students to specialist and assist in getting their needs met. In January we were able to work with Family Health Center and bring in the “Portable Dentist.” Eighty students that would normally not be able to get their teeth cleaned were seen.
Is there one proud moment as a case manager/health clinic supervisor at Doris Klaussen Developmental Center? No. I am proud of the fact that we have developed the clinic to be client-centered, we are able to address the student’s needs and I am able to perform the primary functions of case management in accordance to the Standards of Practice: Assessment, Planning, Facilitation and Advocacy. The impact I have on the students and their families’ everyday allows me to have proud moments. So to say that there is one proud moment is incorrect. If I am doing my job to the best of my capability, everyday should be the proudest moment.
