Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Nichole Smith

Janesville,WI

Summary

Accomplished Chronic Illness Case Manager at Curally, adept in healthcare navigation and telehealth, with a proven track record of fostering patient resilience and reducing hospital readmissions. Skilled in care coordination and active listening, I excel in creating effective, patient-centered care plans and building strong relationships with healthcare providers and patients alike.

Personable and empathetic individual with deep understanding of patient care and support. Knowledge of chronic illness management combined with skills in patient education and healthcare coordination. Dedicated to making positive impact on patients' lives through comprehensive care and support.

Talented Case Manager adept at handling high caseloads without sacrificing quality of care. Operates in high-pressure environments while recommending best resources and courses of action to benefit patient needs and return each to optimal quality of life.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Chronic Illness Case Manager

Curally
11.2021 - Current
  • Facilitated communication among healthcare providers, fostering a collaborative approach to chronic illness management.
  • Manage a caseload of 110 participant's, in 3 states, with 17 sites, for a large tractor supply company in the Midwest.
  • Advocated for patients'' needs within the healthcare system, resulting in improved access to essential services and resources.
  • Supported patients in navigating complex healthcare systems, ensuring timely access to necessary resources and services.
  • Developed strong relationships with community organizations, connecting patients with valuable resources for ongoing support.
  • Provided emotional support for chronically ill patients during challenging times, fostering resilience and promoting mental wellbeing.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by providing effective follow-up care and ongoing support for patients managing chronic illnesses.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices for chronic illness case management, continually optimizing patient care strategies.
  • Monitored trends in local chronic illness prevalence, using data-driven insights to inform case management practices and resource allocation efforts.
  • Streamlined case management processes by utilizing electronic health records and maintaining accurate documentation of patient interactions.
  • Educated patients on self-care techniques, empowering them to manage their chronic conditions effectively.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of patients'' needs, leading to more targeted interventions and better health outcomes.
  • Led educational workshops on chronic disease prevention and management strategies within the community, promoting overall public health awareness.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality regarding sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for chronic illness management.
  • Conducted in-home visits to provide supportive services.
  • Assisted patients in accessing housing, financial assistance and other community resources.
  • Managed caseload to satisfy multiple patients with diverse needs.

Home Health Registered Nurse Case Manager

Omni Home Care
02.2020 - 11.2021
  • Executed successful treatment strategies for various acute and chronic health issues by partnering with diverse healthcare specialists.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing personalized care plans and closely monitoring progress.
  • Managed the Humana Insured patient caseload of 150 patients to ensure they were receiving appropriate care, while maximizing reimbursement.
  • Supported family caregivers through education, resources, and emotional support during challenging times.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between healthcare settings by coordinating services and maintaining open communication with patients, families, and providers.
  • Served as an advocate for patients'' rights, ensuring their needs were met while respecting their preferences and values.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by establishing trust and rapport through empathetic communication and active listening.
  • Introduced changes to patient care plans based on regular evaluations and patient changes.
  • Contributed to organizational goals by actively participating in performance improvement initiatives related to home health nursing practice.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough patient education and comprehensive discharge planning.
  • Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accuracy and timely completion of required paperwork.
  • Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines when administering medications or performing treatments/procedures ensuring optimal safety and efficacy.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by adhering to federal, state, and agency guidelines in all aspects of home health nursing practice.
  • Prevented complications by promptly identifying potential issues and taking appropriate action to address them.
  • Collaborated with vendors to procure medical equipment, supplies and services.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.

Nurse Clinical Manager- Interm

UW Regional Specialty Clinic
02.2019 - 11.2019
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying up-to-date on industry standards, conducting audits, and addressing deficiencies promptly.
  • Championed patient-centered care principles throughout the facility, leading to increased satisfaction scores among patients and families.
  • Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and standardizing protocols.
  • Maintained a safe and healthy environment for patients and staff by enforcing infection control measures and safety policies.
  • Supported successful Joint Commission accreditation surveys through diligent preparation activities including policy review/update exercises and mock survey events.
  • Promoted a culture of constant improvement by encouraging open feedback from staff members on processes or procedures that need adjustment.
  • Communicated effectively with staff members, physicians, and patients, employing active listening and interpersonal skills.
  • Delegated tasks to staff members, monitored completion of all duties and provided support to enhance performance.
  • Regularly evaluated employee performance and provided feedback.
  • Oversaw overall operation of nursing services and patient care.
  • Managed 10 employees with various personalities and from different cultures for large 30-physician practice.
  • Delivered effective onboarding and training to new and existing employees and cross-trained staff members in other job roles to maximize coverage.
  • Handled job duties for staff members which were unavailable or out of office.
  • Facilitate hiring of qualified Clinical Support personnel by interview applicants and making recommendations for employment.
  • Managed daily operations of 30 person clinic supporting approximately 250 patients per week.
  • Created work schedules for 10 employees.
  • Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.

Triage Nurse

UW Regional Specialty Clinic
01.2016 - 02.2019
  • Counseled patients via telephone according to established guidelines and protocols, advising on provider-established plans of care.
  • Managed 50+ incoming calls, faxes, emails daily. With response time above industry standards.
  • Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring thorough documentation of triage assessments and treatment plans.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening skills, empathetic communication, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
  • Obtained case history and gathered triage information to determine appropriate avenue for care.
  • Maintained a calm and professional demeanor during high-stress situations, effectively managing patient expectations and alleviating concerns.
  • Scheduled appointments for patients not requiring emergency services but needing examination from provider and consulting directly with provider.
  • Provided compassionate care for patients experiencing acute symptoms, offering emotional support and comfort during stressful situations.
  • Performed additional clinic and non-triage nurse duties such as instructing patients in general and specific medical care and health issues and administering or dispensing medication and injections.
  • Assisted in management of patient utilization of health care system and provided patient education relative to health care needs, use of community resources and responsibilities of membership in managed care.
  • Assisted with training new nursing staff on triage procedures, contributing to the overall growth of the team''s competencies.
  • Suggested appropriate disposition to acting physicians based on assessment.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.

Chronic Illness Case Manager

Dean Health Plan
05.2012 - 11.2016
  • Managed telephonic chronic illness caseload of 150 members for a large HMO.
  • Performed member evaluations by phone to determine disease comprehension.
  • Offer assistance and guidance to members and their caregivers.
  • Analyzed barriers to effective healthcare delivery.
  • Managed implementation of an embedded case management initiative in large clinic.
  • Enhanced coordination between insurer and provider regarding member needs.
  • Cut hospital readmission rates through educational initiatives.

Home Health Nurse Case Manager

Fort HealthCare
02.2007 - 12.2011
  • Provided comprehensive and oversight for In home nursing services for a home health agency, managing a caseload of 40-50 patients.
  • Coordinated services with other healthcare providers to ensure a seamless continuum of care for each patient.
  • Managed complex wound care regimens for optimal healing outcomes.
  • Streamlined documentation processes to maintain accurate records of patient progress, treatments, and goals achieved.
  • Assisted patients in achieving maximum independence by developing tailored rehabilitation programs based on individual abilities.
  • Applied advanced clinical skills in the administration of IV therapy, central line maintenance, and venipuncture procedures.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions from inpatient settings to home care by creating detailed discharge plans and coordinating necessary resources.
  • Trained new nursing staff in proper case management techniques, ensuring high levels of competence within the team.
  • Improved patient outcomes through regular monitoring of vital signs and medication adherence.
  • Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
  • Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
  • Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.

Education

Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing

Madison Area Technical College
Watertown, MA
12.2024

Skills

Critical thinking

  • Healthcare navigation
  • Telehealth proficiency
  • Care coordination
  • Organization and multitasking
  • Case management
  • Utilization review

Relationship building

  • EMR / EHR
  • Chronic disease management
  • Insurance regulations

Timeline

Chronic Illness Case Manager

Curally
11.2021 - Current

Home Health Registered Nurse Case Manager

Omni Home Care
02.2020 - 11.2021

Nurse Clinical Manager- Interm

UW Regional Specialty Clinic
02.2019 - 11.2019

Triage Nurse

UW Regional Specialty Clinic
01.2016 - 02.2019

Chronic Illness Case Manager

Dean Health Plan
05.2012 - 11.2016

Home Health Nurse Case Manager

Fort HealthCare
02.2007 - 12.2011

Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing

Madison Area Technical College
Nichole Smith