Amy J. Shaffer
Kalamazoo,MI
Summary
Dynamic RN Case Manager with established expertise in creating specialized clinics that enhance patient care access. Strong background in chronic disease management and emotional intelligence drives improved patient outcomes and fosters effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognized for exceptional productivity and efficient task execution, emphasizing communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
RN Case Manager/Lead Clinical Coordinator
Beacon Heart Failure Clinic
Kalamazoo, Michigan
07.2025 - Current
- Instrumental in the establishment of the Heart Failure Clinic in 2006, enhancing patient care accessibility.
Launched Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic in 2017 to address specialized patient needs.
Initiated Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic in 2024, expanding comprehensive treatment options. - Please refer to all items listed under Ascension Borgess Heart Failure Clinic.
RN Case Manager/Lead Clinical Coordinator
Ascension Borgess Heart Failure Clinic
Kalamazoo, MI
07.2006 - 06.2025
- Educated patients on heart failure management and lifestyle changes.
- Communicated with families to provide support and care guidance.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss treatment options for complex cases.
- Developed relationships with patients to ensure they received the highest quality of care.
- Analyzed test results and communicated findings to physicians in order to develop effective treatment plans.
- Advocated for patients by identifying insurance coverage, communicating care preferences to practitioners and verifying interventions met patients' treatment goals.
- Arranged placement of admissions and transfers in accordance with clinical standards and guidelines.
- Secured insurance authorizations to rehabilitation facilities and long-term care placement.
- Collaborated with physicians, social workers and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care for patients.
- Facilitated referrals for specialized services such as physical therapy or hospice care when needed.
- Implemented interventions based on evidence-based practice guidelines while working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Managed patient care plans for individuals with heart failure.
- Organized clinic workflow to ensure efficient operations.
- Conducted follow-ups on patient progress and adherence to treatment plans.
- Supervised staff performance and provided guidance as needed.
- Resolved any issues or complaints raised by patients or their families.
- Participated in interdisciplinary conferences regarding patient care management.
- Developed and implemented clinical protocols for staff to follow in accordance with regulatory standards.
- Assessed program effectiveness by evaluating patient outcomes against established goals.
- Provided support services during emergency situations such as natural disasters or pandemics.
- Trained new employees on all aspects of clinic operations and processes.
- Coordinated with research teams to integrate clinical research findings into patient care practices.
- Developed patient education materials and programs to enhance understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
- Participated in the development and review of clinical policies and procedures.
- Assisted in the accreditation process and compliance with healthcare standards and regulations.
- Established solid relations with leadership and staff by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental information exchanges.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient interactions according to established protocols.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated individualized nursing care plans for each patient.
- Coordinated discharge planning with multidisciplinary teams ensuring safe transitions back into the community.
- Managed caseloads involving multiple chronic illnesses across various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities or private homes.
- Updated and maintained discharge plan of care with physician, members of healthcare team, patients and families.
- Identified potential risks related to medication use or inadequate follow up care after discharge from the hospital.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Coordinated patient care plans for heart failure management.
- Implemented quality control measures to improve clinical operations and patient outcomes.
Occupational and Employee Health Specialist
Borgess Ambulatory Care
Kalamazoo, Michigan
09.2002 - 06.2008
- Conducted employee health assessments and screenings for wellness programs.
- Coordinated vaccination clinics to ensure employee immunization compliance.
- Collaborated with HR to address employee health-related inquiries and issues.
- Maintained accurate records of employee health data and program participation.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nurses, employers and workers' compensation carriers when necessary.
- Conducted employee health screenings such as vision, hearing, immunizations, and biometric testing.
- Served as a liaison between company personnel departments and external agencies providing healthcare services.
- Performed pre-employee and annual screenings for health and wellness areas.
Registered Nurse, Neurological
Borgess Medical Center
Kalamazoo, MI
10.1992 - 06.1998
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during recovery.
- Mentored new nursing staff in best practices for neurological care.
- Coordinated care for critical issues such as cerebral edema and intracranial pressure, hemodynamic instability and spinal injuries.
- Assisted with procedures such as spinal reconstructions and follow-up recovery care.
- Resuscitated and stabilized patients with complex cerebral injuries and disorders.
- Assessed neurological status of patients, including cognitive and motor functions, reflexes, cranial nerve functioning, and coordination.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary team members to ensure best outcomes for neurological patients.
- Provided pre-operative and post-operative care to neurological surgery patients.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI04-2021
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Alpena Community College
Alpena05-1992
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing Leadership
Grand Valley State University (2011-2013)
Allendale, MIGeneral Studies
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kalamazoo, MISkills
- Care coordination and management
- Diagnostic interpretation
- Cardiac monitoring
- Chronic disease management
- Patient education
- Clinical assessment
- Regulatory compliance
- Health informatics
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Emotional intelligence
- Conflict resolution
- Palliative care
- CPR/AED certification
- Communication skills
- Empathy development
- Staff training
- Referral coordination
- Critical thinking
Certification
State of Michigan Registered Nurse #4704185912 1992 – Present
Significant Accomplishments
- Member: American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN)
- Completed MiCMRC Complex Care Management Training Course December 13, 2018
- Completed Mi-CCSI Self-Management Care Coordination Course October 26, 2018
- HF Program: Advanced HF Certification through Joint Commission since 2010
- HF Program: American Heart Association Gold Plus Certification
- Continued year-to-year clinic census growth
- Yearly community Heart Failure Conference planner/presenter 2013 thru 2017
- Participant: WWMT Channel 3 News Doc Talk Interviews 2010, 2012, 2017
- Initiation of nurse visits for six-minute walk tests, drop-in visits, education
- Attended Abbot CardioMEMS Conference, Los Angeles, CA, February 2017
- Participated in marketing video for Ascension / Borgess Health HF Program
- Member: American College of Cardiology (2012-2015)
- Attended Advanced Heart Failure Therapies Forum (2 days), San Diego, CA, May 2013
- Attended Medtronic Carelink/Cardiac Impedance Monitoring Conference (2days), Nashville, TN, August 2011
- Sleep Apnea Workshop, June 2008
- Attended AAHFN Annual Conference (4 days), Boston, MA, June 2008
- Attended Prove HF Conference, Denver, CO, April 2007
Timeline
RN Case Manager/Lead Clinical Coordinator
Beacon Heart Failure Clinic
07.2025 - Current
RN Case Manager/Lead Clinical Coordinator
Ascension Borgess Heart Failure Clinic
07.2006 - 06.2025
Occupational and Employee Health Specialist
Borgess Ambulatory Care
09.2002 - 06.2008
Registered Nurse, Neurological
Borgess Medical Center
10.1992 - 06.1998
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Eastern Michigan University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Alpena Community College
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing Leadership
Grand Valley State University (2011-2013)
General Studies
Kalamazoo Valley Community College