Job:
Medicare assessment and care plan coordinator, Laurel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehab Facility, Henry Medical Center in McDonough.
What I do:
“I keep up with the documentation required by CMS [Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services] for reimbursement. I work with patients needing skilled services — covered by their Medicare or private insurances in conjunction with nursing — and therapy services to help them regain functional abilities that will allow them to return to the community.”
How I got into this:
“My entire 22-year nursing career has revolved around the geriatric population. I have worked in the skilled-nursing facility setting from the time I graduated from nursing school, serving as an instructor teaching nurses and nursing assistants, then serving as director of nursing for 10 years, and now doing my favorite thing — being what some call ‘the paper nurse.’
“I complete the documentation by doing hands-on assessments with patients and their families, then basically painting a picture to Medicare as to their current functional level and needs, and working with the health care team to develop a plan of care. I don’t think of it as a job at all, because I love it so much.”
Best part of the job:
“Seeing the improvements in my patients through teamwork from the staff and the patient’s determination to get better. They often come in at their worst and we get to see them get better. I consider it a privilege to work with the patient and families during their time of need, and it humbles me to know they trust their loved ones to my care.
“I am honored to serve in the community where I grew up and still live. I feel like I am giving a little something back to Henry County.”
Most challenging part:
“Being sure my paperwork is timely and compliant with the federal regulations. The documentation that is obtained must be done within specific timeframes or the facility could lose its federal funding. The future challenge will be transitioning from this entire paperwork world to electronic health records.”
What people don’t know about my job:
“It can be emotionally draining on a daily basis. You’re not just dealing with helping the patient get better, but often times you have to be sure the family’s needs are met.
“Having a loved one enter a skilled-nursing facility can be overwhelming and sometimes the families need just as much [tender loving care] as the resident. In this setting, you really get to know your patients and they become a second family. You have to be a good listener and very patient.”
What keeps me going:
“Just knowing that what I do today will have an impact on an elderly person’s life tomorrow. I still believe in the Golden Rule and I have a lot faith. My own family support goes a long way.
“My favorite way to relieve stress is doing autocross racing in my Jaguar with the SCCA [Sports Car Club of America] and North Georgia Jaguar Club. There’s just something about squealing tires on a fast course that helps rid those tense muscles.”
Preparation needed:
“Degree in nursing with experience in the long-term care industry is a start. Additional training in the government’s required documentation is a must.”
Salary:
Ranges from $40,000 to $70,000, Trafford said.
Contact us
Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse managing editor. Got a health care job that you love? Please send e-mail to jbrieske@ajc.com.
