“She’s been a big support for us,” one young mom said of her NICU case manager.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
This week is a chance to recognize and thank the 20-some case managers at Riley Hospital for Children, who help families navigate the complicated world of healthcare during stressful times.
National Case Management Week is celebrated each year during the second full week of October to highlight the critical role these specialized registered nurses play in improving health outcomes and advocating for patients.
Among Riley’s unit-based case managers are (pictured front row from left): Kayla Chizum, Chris Newkirk, Kiann Payne (CM manager), Jennifer Johnson, Shavonne Parchman, Shakiyla Rogers; and (back row from left): Kellie Cajas, Melissa Ottinger, Cathy King and Dennis Gaviria-Vargas. Not pictured: Kayla Arthur (CM team lead), Amanda Bachman, Mary Gallagher, Anita Garrett, Gay Marsh, Jess Melvin (weekend CM), Amanda Neucks, Megan Pino, Amy Riddle (weekend CM), Vicki Sestak and Robin Wilson.
Case managers are part of the Integrated Care Management team and partner with social workers and case management consultants to coordinate for transition of care, whether that is to home or another facility.
Chis Newkirk, NICU case manager for three years, said connecting with families and being able to be there for them in a time of crisis is why she loves her role.
“We get to meet them where they are, hold their hand and help prepare them for the unknowns.”
Among those she is supporting is Jayla Michael, mom of Amirah, who was born prematurely at Riley and has remained hospitalized due to a gap in her esophagus, which will require major surgery.
“She has been very, very helpful,” Michael said of Newkirk. “I’ve never felt like she wasn’t paying attention. She’s been a big support for us.”
Manager Kiann Payne said returning patients to their families where they can thrive is the ultimate goal.
“They’re here for a short amount of time because of a crisis, and our job is to make sure they have everything they need to move back to where they thrive.”
That can include working with insurance providers, particularly when patients are being transferred to another facility; making sure families have necessary follow-up appointments scheduled and home assistance lined up; and ensuring they have medical equipment, feeding supplies and medicines for home use.
“Healthcare is so complicated … we want to be able to help them navigate it,” Newkirk said. “It’s why I do what I do.”
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