From the Executive Editor

Time Moves Forward and Then What?

Catherine M. Mullahy

As I write this column, Richard Branson, a billionaire, has just gone to the edge of space and returned, all in the span of 90 minutes. This is an incredible event that has opened the door to space tourism! When feats such as this are accomplished, it is tempting to think that all things are possible, and yet there is that everpresent sense of reality that causes us to acknowledge that these miraculous events are elusive for most of us. Mr. Branson had many of the advantages that potentiated his chances for success, but I suspect that even he knew that his success wasn’t guaranteed.

We have some choices to make: Like Don Quixote, we can “Dream the Impossible Dream” and just hope that something happens or we can move beyond dreaming and create a strategic plan that will increase that possibility and movement toward reality. The challenges, barriers, and plans to achieve anything worthwhile can be overwhelming, so much so that many of us might be inclined to procrastinate or just decide that it’s not likely to be successful anyway and put it aside.

There is a saying that “life is what happens when you’re busy making plans,” and while we’re advised that we need to create a plan, to establish goals, and that nothing will happen unless we make it happen, sometimes that’s just not enough. Who or what is the determining factor for a successful outcome is often as problematic as the issues themselves. We are often faced with a dilemma, analyze it carefully, create with our colleagues a seemingly perfect plan, collaborate with others, and obtain consensus, and then something happens that upends the execution of that plan. Our response can be a predictor of how we might approach other plans that will cross our path in the future. Will we elect to move on, wanting to just put it all behind us, or do we determine that it’s important to analyze it critically, no matter the consequences, even if it reflects badly on you, the members of your team…or perhaps, even your boss? In case management, there are countless opportunities for us to learn, no matter how many years of experience we have. These learning opportunities arise because the individuals involved are not a one-sizefits-all; each of the players in a case management intervention is unique and will not always respond in the way we would like. Additionally, there are also variables that we can’t control, including dysfunctional families, funding issues, complex diagnostic conditions, practice settings, and, of course, countless rules and regulations. It would be wonderful if we could just move beyond or around these obstacles, but more times than not, it’s just not possible. It’s often our inability to acknowledge that we might need multiple plans to achieve the desired outcome, which I like to

The challenges, barriers, and plans to achieve anything refer to as Plan A, worthwhile can be overwhelming, so much so that many of us B, and perhaps a might be inclined to procrastinate or just decide that it’s not Plan C, that results in an increase in likely to be successful anyway and put it aside. frustration and often, unfortunately, a lack of success. The examination of the issues and an analysis of what worked and what didn’t is extremely important, and you might agree that more is learned from our failures than our successes, although obviously the latter is a more enjoyable experience. As case managers, we have countless opportunities for success and to make a difference…one patient at a time! Hoping that you are taking some time during these summer months to reconnect with your family and friends and to take care of yourself as well… enjoy!! Catherine M. Mullahy, RN, BS, CCRN, CCM, Executive Editor cmullahy@academyccm.org