FR O M TH E E XECUT I V E ED I T O R
Time Moves Forward and Then What?
Catherine M. Mullahy
A
s I write this column, that’s just not enough. Who or what is conditions, practice settings, and, of Richard Branson, a the determining factor for a successful course, countless rules and regulations. billionaire, has just gone outcome is often as problematic as the It would be wonderful if we could to the edge of space issues themselves. We are often faced just move beyond or around these and returned, all in the span of 90 with a dilemma, analyze it carefully, obstacles, but more times than not, minutes. This is an incredible event create with our colleagues a seemingly it’s just not possible. It’s often our that has opened the door to space perfect plan, collaborate with others, inability to acknowledge that we might tourism! When feats such as this are and obtain consensus, and then need multiple plans to achieve the accomplished, it is desired outcome, tempting to think which I like to that all things are refer to as Plan A, The challenges, barriers, and plans to achieve anything possible, and yet B, and perhaps a worthwhile can be overwhelming, so much so that many of us there is that everPlan C, that results might be inclined to procrastinate or just decide that it’s not present sense of in an increase in likely to be successful anyway and put it aside. reality that causes us frustration and to acknowledge that often, unfortunately, these miraculous a lack of success. events are elusive for most of us. Mr. something happens that upends the The examination of the issues and an Branson had many of the advantages execution of that plan. Our response analysis of what worked and what didn’t that potentiated his chances for can be a predictor of how we might is extremely important, and you might success, but I suspect that even he knew approach other plans that will cross agree that more is learned from our that his success wasn’t guaranteed. our path in the future. Will we elect failures than our successes, although We have some choices to make: to move on, wanting to just put it all obviously the latter is a more enjoyable Like Don Quixote, we can “Dream the behind us, or do we determine that experience. Impossible Dream” and just hope that it’s important to analyze it critically, As case managers, we have countless something happens or we can move no matter the consequences, even if opportunities for success and to make a beyond dreaming and create a strategic it reflects badly on you, the members difference…one patient at a time! plan that will increase that possibility of your team…or perhaps, even your Hoping that you are taking some and movement toward reality. The boss? In case management, there time during these summer months to challenges, barriers, and plans to are countless opportunities for us to reconnect with your family and friends achieve anything worthwhile can be learn, no matter how many years of and to take care of yourself as well… overwhelming, so much so that many of experience we have. These learning enjoy!! us might be inclined to procrastinate opportunities arise because the or just decide that it’s not likely to be individuals involved are not a one-sizeCatherine M. Mullahy, RN, BS, CCRN, successful anyway and put it aside. fits-all; each of the players in a case CCM, Executive Editor There is a saying that “life is what management intervention is unique cmullahy@academyccm.org happens when you’re busy making and will not always respond in the way plans,” and while we’re advised that we would like. Additionally, there are we need to create a plan, to establish also variables that we can’t control, goals, and that nothing will happen including dysfunctional families, unless we make it happen, sometimes funding issues, complex diagnostic August/September 2021 CareManagement 3
