I recently completed a continuing education article entitled, “Unlock Your Creativity.” The article began with several examples of how nurses, through their creativity, improved their lives as well as the lives of their patients. The scenarios included a nurse who had developed a photographic essay while caring for a colleague who was dying of breast cancer. Another nurse created a video program that was broadcast on public television. One savvy group of night nurses published a booklet about how to stay healthy while working nights. Lastly, a nurse who cares for jaundiced newborns realized that diapers prevented therapeutic ultraviolet light from reaching a large area of their skin. She devised a “g-string” diaper for the babies — and a new business for herself.

As I studied the program and completed the post-test, I thought about the great work case managers do each day in various settings across the entire continuum of care. And I wondered about the stories they could share to show how creatively they practice the art of case management. What is the number-one story you would share with another member of the healthcare team, consumer, or employer to demonstrate the value case managers bring to the system? How are managers encouraging creativity in their staff? What are case managers doing to keep themselves motivated — which is key to encourage creativity?

Traditionally I try to provide answers to questions from my own experience, but this week, I would like to hear from you. We have had great feedback from readers of Across My Desk over the past few weeks, and I look forward to reading your stories of extraordinary creativity in case management. As next week is the Labor Day holiday, you have an extra day to reflect on this topic and what you are doing to break the status quo in your organization. Send me your story and I will post your comments to share with others. The next issue of Across My Desk will come to you on Wednesday, September 6, 2006.

Hope you all have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Anne Llewellyn, RN-BC, MS, BHSA, CCM, CRRN
Editor-in-Chief of Across My Desk, Case in Point magazine, and the Case Management Resource Guide
allewellyn@dorlandhealth.com