Overview
Professional Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Colleen Stukenberg

FHN Memorial Hospital/ Mercy
Forreston,IL
2027
years of professional experience

Experienced case management and utilization review leader with expertise in InterQual criteria, care transitions, and payer communication. Known for accurate documentation, clinical judgment, and collaborative problem-solving that supports timely, compliant patient flow.

Work History

Case Manager Utilization Review

4 Years 11 Months
FHN Memorial Hospital/ Mercy | 10.2021 - 09.2026
  • For utilization review:
  • Managed utilization review activities to support appropriate levels of care and resources using InterQual Criteria and clinical expertise.
  • Provided clinical to payers to support appropriate levels of care.
  • Worked with providers on payer denials
  • For Case Manager:
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to align treatment plans with patient needs and resources.
  • Coordinated discharge planning and care transitions to support safe, timely patient throughput.
  • Documented case management interventions in electronic health records with accuracy and compliance.

Director of Case Management

FHN Memorial Hospital | 2014 - 2021
  • Directed case management operations, aligning utilization review, discharge planning, and care coordination with hospital goals.
  • Led interdisciplinary teams to resolve complex patient placement and transition-of-care needs.
  • Oversaw case management staff and social workers providing coaching, performance feedback, and workflow guidance.
  • Implemented process improvements to strengthen utilization review accuracy and documentation compliance.
  • Developed a Complex Care Program.
  • Coordinated payer communication to support authorization, medical necessity, and timely patient progression.
  • Monitored discharge planning practices to reduce delays and improve continuity of care.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nursing, and social services to manage high-acuity cases.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate client care and reduce case management barriers.
  • Streamlined, standardized and implemented case management processes and techniques to maximize revenue cycle.
  • Leveraged case management tools and conflict management techniques to help interdisciplinary teams achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient case management systems and processes.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth among team members.
  • Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
  • Analyzed trends and data to inform decision-making and program development.
  • Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.

Clinical Documentation Specialist

7 Years
FHN/Mercy Hospital | 01.2007 - 01.2014
  • Piloted a successful CDI program at FHN
  • Reviewed patient records for clinical completeness, accuracy, and compliant documentation.
  • Queried providers to clarify diagnoses, procedures, and supporting clinical specificity.
  • Applied ICD-10 and DRG guidelines to strengthen coding integrity and reimbursement accuracy.
  • Collaborated with physicians, coders, and case management to resolve documentation gaps.
  • Communicated with physicians, nurses and other caregivers to explain importance of accurate and clear documentation.
  • Reduced risk exposure by promptly addressing any identified discrepancies or inconsistencies within patient records.

Clinical Development

FHN | 2006 - 2007
  • Mentored new nurses in both clinical skills development and professional growth opportunities.
  • Improved overall patient outcomes by continuously updating clinical knowledge through professional development opportunities.
  • Evaluated clinical competencies of nursing staff regularly, providing constructive feedback to enhance skill development.
  • Championed ongoing professional development opportunities for members of the nursing team, fostering a shared commitment to excellence in clinical practice.

Case Manager

FHN | 2001 - 2006
  • Coordinated patient care plans with interdisciplinary teams to support timely discharge and continuity of care.
  • Assessed patient needs and connected individuals with community and clinical resources.
  • Communicated with physicians, nurses, and families to align treatment goals and care transitions.
  • Documented case activity in electronic health records to maintain accurate, compliant patient records.
  • Reviewed insurance requirements and authorization details to support approved services and placements.
  • Monitored cases for changes in condition, escalating concerns and updating plans as needed.

MDS Plan Coordinator

FHN | 1997 - 2001
  • Coordinated MDS assessments to support accurate care planning and regulatory compliance.
  • Tracked resident documentation for timely submission of MDS assessment
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to maintain complete, accurate resident records.

Staff Nurse Med-Surg, Ortho, ICU and Telemetry

39 Years
FHN Memorial Hospital | 10.1987 - 2001
  • Assessed patient conditions and prioritized care needs using nursing judgment.
  • Administered medications safely while monitoring responses and documenting outcomes.
  • Coordinated care plans with physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members.
  • Documented assessments, interventions, and progress notes in electronic health records.
  • Facilitated communication between patients, families, physicians, and community support services.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.

Nursing Staff Member

Swedish American Hospital | 1987 - 10.1987
  • Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the registered nurse promptly.
  • Assisted with bathing, feeding, mobility, and other daily patient care needs.
  • Documented assessments, care activities, and observations in electronic health records accurately.
  • Supported medication administration by preparing supplies and verifying patient identification.
  • Maintained infection control standards through proper hand hygiene and equipment cleanup.
  • Communicated patient concerns clearly to nursing team to support timely care decisions.
  • Educated patients and families on basic care instructions, comfort measures, and unit routines.
  • Promoted continuity of care by maintaining accurate documentation and timely handoffs between shifts.

Staff Nurse

41 Years 4 Months
FHN Memorial Hospital | 06.1985 - 1987
  • Administered medications and monitored patient responses for safety and effectiveness.
  • Performed comprehensive patient assessments and documented findings in electronic health record.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary care team to coordinate treatment plans and patient priorities.
  • Maintained infection control standards and followed hospital safety protocols during care delivery.
  • Educated patients and families on discharge instructions, medications, and recovery expectations.
  • Tracked vital signs and reported condition changes promptly to support timely interventions.
  • Assisted with admissions, transfers, and discharge processes to ensure smooth patient flow.
  • Prioritized multiple patient needs while maintaining accurate charting and consistent nursing care.
  • Assessed patient conditions and prioritized care plans for safe, timely interventions.
  • Administered medications and treatments while verifying orders and monitoring patient responses.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing Education

University of Phoenix | Tempe, AZ | 01-2008
  • Summa Cum Laude

Baccalaureate - Nursing

Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | 01-1986

Honor Roll [Semester and Year]

Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing

Highland Community College | Freeport, IL | 06-1985

Skills

Case management
Case documentation
EHR implementation
Trained providers and staff in Meditech
Utilization review
Direct patient care
Time management
Healthcare analytics
Meditech training

Timeline

Case Manager Utilization Review

FHN Memorial Hospital/ Mercy
10.2021 - 09.2026Read More

Clinical Documentation Specialist

FHN/Mercy Hospital
01.2007 - 01.2014Read More

Staff Nurse Med-Surg, Ortho, ICU and Telemetry

FHN Memorial Hospital
10.1987 - 2001Read More

Staff Nurse

FHN Memorial Hospital
06.1985 - 1987Read More

Director of Case Management

FHN Memorial Hospital
2014 - 2021Read More

Clinical Development

FHN
2006 - 2007Read More

Case Manager

FHN
2001 - 2006Read More

MDS Plan Coordinator

FHN
1997 - 2001Read More

Nursing Staff Member

Swedish American Hospital
1987 - 10.1987Read More

University of Phoenix

Master of Science from Nursing Education
Read More

Northern Illinois University

Baccalaureate from Nursing
Read More

Highland Community College

Associate Degree in Nursing from Nursing
Read More
Colleen Stukenberg