#casemanagement

Today has been great. I finally knocked the test off my checklist for this year. I passed the CCM test!

I had to turn and reposition multiple times or else I’d end up with a pressure injury. LOL Kidding aside, it was worded so differently from the practice tests that I did but I am beyond grateful that I did it given just 2 weeks of review. The test taking strategy really works. Of course the knowledge about the content is also important.

Also, it felt strange because this is where I also took my nursing boards 10+ years ago. It brought back the memories. I think I sat at the same seat number like last time. I went to the testing center an hour early because I was sleepy. I had to do some laps so that I feel a little pumped. I saw a boba shop too but didn’t want to have that sugar rush. It was a reminiscent experience nonetheless.

Another topic, I was overwhelmed with school deadlines last month and furious when my professor announced a video presentation wasn’t required just two days before the submission deadline. It seemed inconsiderate to expect students to juggle multiple tasks. What kind of instructor is that? I had already completed the presentation when she made that change. Fortunately, I received an A+ anyway. The three-week break before the Summer semester is a blessing.

The remaining tasks for this month include meeting with my mentor, the chief nurse executive (CNE) of our hospital, and attending the final day of my leadership training program at UCSF, which I’ve been attending for the past seven months. I’m also planning to take a lot of photos at Pier 39 and Embarcadero. I miss those random photo walks. It’s been a while since I last visited the city.

How about you? How was your day? I hope you are having a great one.

Me behind my office door to my coworkers:

After two months of waiting, this finally showed up in the mail.

I know I haven’t been very active here lately. Getting back to work has kept me busy. The ER isn’t too overwhelming at this time of year, but we’ve been working on ways to improve the patient experience.

Lately, I’ve been focusing more on supporting underinsured and uninsured patients. The goal is to help close the gaps in care they often face once they leave the hospital. It’s been challenging. A lot of them are just trying to stay afloat, and sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in them, especially when they’re struggling to believe in themselves.

At the same time, there’s ongoing talk about proposed Medicaid budget cuts, and now all this heartbreaking news about wars and missile strikes. It’s a lot to take in. What else is 2025 going to throw at us?

Hope you’re all staying safe and looking out for one another.