Combining clinical and business skills as an RN case manager

Comprehensive. Complex. Holistic. Empathetic. These are some of the words that best capture how RN case managers approach their roles as care providers at Northwell Health. As an RN case manager your responsibility is to understand and create a care plan for patients from admission through discharge that best accounts for their clinical and psychological needs.

Get to know the thoughts and experiences of two of our case managers who exemplify the kinds of career journey our clinicians can pursue here at Northwell Health. Jennifer Taglich, RN MSN MPH CPN, is an RN Case Manager at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Initially hired as a bedside nurse, Jennifer was attracted to her current role for its diversity and cross discipline impact.

Heather Gordon, RN BSN CCM, serves as the Director of the Case Management Department at Staten Island University Hospital. Her career here began at North Shore University Hospital as a neonatal ICU nurse and, then she went on to work in pediatric oncology. When she was offered the position as a pediatric home care discharge planner, she embraced it for the autonomy it provided her in coordinating complex discharge activities for the pediatric specialty population.

Both Jennifer and Heather place a high value on the way that their roles helped them broaden and develop their knowledge by introducing them to new business planning, communications and patient management responsibilities.

Heather says, “I chose to work in case management because it required nursing skills along with incorporating business process into discharge planning. I had to develop business management skills and learn to strategize plans for my unique case load.”

The same was true for Jennifer who told us, “I compare it to learning a new language. While the patients remained the same, my role was completely different. It’s given me the opportunity to learn about more aspects of nursing and grow as a nurse, as well as work with intelligent and passionate nurses who I view as role models.”

Both feel that the ability to communicate and lead a team effort is essential as they collaborate care with other disciplines, remove unpredictable barriers and help the patient be ready for discharge once they receive medical clearance. Heather says “In my role I am responsible for creating plans that involve an interdisciplinary team to support our pediatric patients. It gave me the incentive to expand my knowledge, take on more challenges and complexities, and also work with a great team.”

“This role has given me the opportunity to improve my communication and teamwork skills,” says Jennifer. “You see the big picture, including how every member of the healthcare team plays a role in helping the patients feel better so that they can go home.”

Jennifer and Heather have grown their careers and made an impact on so many in the process. If you’re Made for working with an exceptional team, explore our opportunities at Northwell Health.