So Long but Not Goodbye
BY DR. COLLEEN MORLEY, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMGT-BC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM, FAACM
As I pen my final President’s Message for CMSA Today as immediate past president of CMSA, I am filled with immense gratitude and pride in the collective accomplishments of our case management community. Reflecting on this important period in my life, it’s clear that our profession continues to evolve, driven by compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes.
CMSA holds a very special place in my life and my heart; it has been there for me when others have not. It has been a singular constant in my life. The community, connections and friendships that have been cultivated have enriched my life both professionally and personally. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
This issue traditionally recognized March as Social Work Month and our military/veterans and Department of Defense (DoD) case managers in addition to other themes. Social Work Month is a time to recognize and honor the vital contributions of social workers in the healthcare continuum. Integral to the practice of case management, providing advocacy, support and resources to patients and families navigating complex healthcare systems, their dedication to addressing social determinants of health and ensuring equitable access to care aligns seamlessly with the core values of case management. This month, let us extend our heartfelt appreciation to our social work colleagues for their tireless efforts in fostering holistic, patient-centered care.
In conjunction with this celebration, it is imperative to spotlight the exceptional work being done by military veterans and the dedicated case managers within DoD. Military veterans bring a unique perspective to healthcare, enriched by their experiences and unwavering sense of duty. These case managers play a critical role in ensuring seamless transitions of care for service members, veterans, and their families, addressing both physical health and the often-overlooked mental health needs.
As I reflect on my tenure on the CMSA National Board, I am inspired by the incredible dedication and innovation displayed by our members. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, embraced opportunities and advanced the profession of case management. I am confident that the future holds even greater achievements as we continue to advocate for our patients and support one another in this vital work.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving CMSA. I am excited for the future of our profession and promise that I will continue to be active and available to CMSA and all case managers.
With deepest gratitude,
Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMGT-BC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM, FAACM
Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMGT-BC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM, FAACM, is the associate chief clinical operations officer, care continuum for University of Illinois Health System and the immediate past president of the Case Management Society of America National Board of Directors and president-elect of CMSA Chicago. She has held positions in acute care as director of case management at several acute care facilities and managed care entities in Illinois, overseeing utilization review, case management and social services for over 14 years; piloting quality improvement initiatives focused on readmission reduction, care coordination through better communication and population health management. Her current passion is in the area of improving health literacy. She is the recipient of the CMSA Foundation Practice Improvement Award (2020) and ANA Illinois Practice Improvement Award (2020) for her work in this area. Dr. Morley also received the AAMCN Managed Care Nurse Leader of the Year in 2010 and the CMSA Fellow of Case Management designation in 2022. Her first book, A Practical Guide to Acute Care Case Management, published by Blue Bayou Press, was released in February 2022. Her second book, Practical Guide to Hospital Readmission Reduction, published by Blue Bayou Press was released in February 2024. Her third book, Practical Guide to Acute Care Case Management Leadership, is in the works, targeting publication in 2025. Dr. Morley celebrates 25 years of nursing experience and 20 years in case management in 2024. Her clinical specialties include med/surg, oncology and pediatric nursing. She received her ADN at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois; BSN at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida, MSN from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, and her DNP at Chamberlain College of Nursing.
Image credit: ATK WORK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
