Case Management Week 2024 Spotlight: Theresa Osmulski

Theresa Osmulski — BSN, RN, Case Manager

Based: Indianapolis, Indiana | Current Assignment: Birmingham, Alabama

 

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in Case Management, and what keeps you passionate about your work?

A: While working the floor as a new bedside nurse, I quickly learned the importance of the role and always looked up to them. I remember thinking to myself at times about a patient's less-than-favorable living situation and how this patient would ever be safe to go home. Although not every situation was perfect, the case managers always had the answers and came through to assist with those difficult discharges. I knew I wanted to be just like them when I grew up. What keeps me passionate about my work is that I am helping patients and families. No patient or situation is ever the same, and not everyone fits into the same box or scenario. It is exciting to me to research, provide education, and assist with the most beneficial outcomes for my patients and families. 

 

Q: Can you share a memorable experience where your intervention made a significant impact on a patient’s journey?

A: I was working in Bethlehem, PA, and had a new start dialysis patient. The patient was younger and had a wife and children that he was providing for. Although he knew the potential repercussions of missing dialysis, he was also concerned about missing work. I was able to find a program that offered shorter chair times but more dialysis days. My patient was willing to give this a try, as the chair time was before work and would not interfere with his time in the evenings with his family. After several conversations and family meetings, the nephrology team was agreeable to the program. As a team, we were able to make the best of an awful situation for this particular patient and his family. 

 

Q: What advice would you give Case Managers just entering the field?

A: The role is extremely fast-paced, there is a lot of pressure, and you will not always agree with all outcomes. The key is to stay organized, always have a backup plan, listen to your patients and families, and try to put yourself in their situation. Again, you may not always agree with their wishes, but do your best to give them the tools to succeed. Communicate constantly with your team, and never be afraid to advocate for your patients, even if this means asking questions of the providers. Just be respectful, and most will appreciate that you are thinking outside the box, or maybe they just had not thought of a different path to get the patient to their desired outcome. You are never alone; you are a very important part of a big team. 

 

Q: In your experience, how has the role of a Case Manager evolved over the years, and what trends do you see shaping the future of the field?

A: In the past, it seemed that the Social Workers were dealing more with the social issues than the Nurses. Since the pandemic, we are seeing more patients present with more social issues. Given that increase, it is important for Nurses to be just as knowledgeable as the Social Workers about resources to assist these patients with their needs, so I greatly appreciate the push to elevate the role social work plays in healthcare. I've always said, Nurses and Social Workers come with different skill sets, and two heads are better than one.

 

Q: What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from a patient, and how has it shaped your approach to Case Management?

A: Patients these days want to age in their homes and are voicing their wants and needs more now than in the past. It used to be that if the doctor recommended it, that is what was going to be done. Patients are more equipped with medical knowledge and resources and are speaking up about what they feel is best for them and their situation. I am always happy to see a patient who is asking questions about how to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. I never assume that because something has been recommended for a patient, they will be agreeable. 

 

Q: How do you balance the emotional demands of the job while maintaining your own well-being?

A: I truly believe that staying organized, asking questions, and having a backup plan cut down on my stress. I am a very anxious person by nature, so staying ahead of the game as best as I can helps with my overall well-being. 

 

Q: As we celebrate Case Management Week, we'd love to learn something fun about you outside of your professional life. What brings joy to your days when you're not coordinating care? 

A: I am all things girly! I love to shop, do makeup and hair, and I love the thrill of thrifting. Nothing makes me happier than a good bargain! On a not-so-girly note, I love car races, especially on a good dirt track. There's just something about the sound of the cars, the smell of the race fuel, and a good, clean win.