Page 20 - SFHN October 2021 Issue

SALUTE TO CASE MANAGERS... SALUTE TO CASE MANAGERS... SALUTE TO CA

BROWARD HEALTH IMPERIAL POINT BROWARD HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER

Lauren Patterson, MSW Binu Chilampath, ACCM, RN

Lauren Patterson, MSW, Social Services Coordinator, Binu Chilampath, ACCM, R.N., is an acute care case man-
manages a team of clinical social workers whom interview ager in the pediatric unit at Salah Foundation Children’s
and assess each patient to develop an appropriate dis- Hospital. Over the last four years, Chilampath’s role as a case
charge plan that meets the patient’s particular needs. manager has encompassed all facets of discharge planning
Patterson, who has been with Broward Health Imperial for pediatric patients and their families. he also works on
Point for six years, shares what she treasures most about providing cost-effective, quality outcomes to help ensure
her role. “What I love about case management is the abil- patient and family satisfaction. When asked about her
ity to work interdisciplinary throughout to acute hospital favorite part of her profession, Chilampath’s answer was sim-
continuum,” Patterson said. “Each day I am able to speak ple: “Being able to be a resource and assistance during these
with nurses, physical therapists, physicians and more to difficult times for the children and families is rewarding. It is
include their recommendations into what will be the best plan for the patient.” “I then worth all the hard work when a child is placed with the best possible discharge arrange-
am able to fully educate the patient on why this particular plan is being recommended ments.” Chilampath’s commitment to the success of Broward Health’s patients also
and work hand-in-hand on individualizing that plan to cater the patient’s needs.” translates into her community involvement. She is a professional member of the Indian
Nurses Association of North America and has held various positions in the local and
national chapters of the India Press Club of North America. Chilampath received her
BROWARD HEALTH NORTH
Broward Health North Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at BCM College in Kottayam, India. She also earned
her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the College of Nursing in Jaipur, India. She is cer-
Beverly Harriot, RN, RRN, CCM tified in pediatric nursing and chemotherapy.

Beverly Harriot, RN, RRN, CCM, case manager at Crystal Fricano, RN
Broward Health North, takes pride in her ability to pro-
vide comforting measures to patients during vulnerable
times. As a case manager for the past five years, Harriot Crystal Fricano, R.N., is an acute care case manager at
enjoys interacting with patients’ families and her nursing Broward Health Medical Center. Over the last seven years,
colleagues, while discovering innovative ways to help she has worked in the step-down ICU/liver transplant and
patients and utilize cost-efficient measures to positively trauma departments. “Being a case manager is a very fulfill-
impact the organization. Harriot is devoted to finding ing job,” said Fricano. “You get to meet many different
resources to help meet the needs of the uninsured, the patients and develop a relationship with the nurse and
homeless and patients who lack family support. physician teams providing their care.” Fricano is an advo-
Harriot recently obtained a certification in case management. “I like to be an expert cate for the patient, and her role revolves around the
in the field,” said Harriot. “That always puts the icing on the cake.” patient’s discharge plan. She meets with patients and learns
Harriot advises aspiring case managers not to expect case management to be an about their prior level of function, their support system and
easy profession as “you will be challenged every day with new and different scenarios, their goals for recovery. She also communicates with the physicians regarding their goals
and you must be prepared to accept those challenges the best way you can so that the and concerns. “My favorite part about being a case manager is being able to create an
optimum desired outcome for your patient is achieved.” individualized plan for each patient, see them thrive, and make progress toward their
recovery,” said Fricano. “It is very rewarding to have a positive impact on the lives of my
patients and make my clients’ lives a little bit easier.” Fricano earned bachelor’s and mas-
ter’s degrees in nursing at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

BROWARD HEALTH CORAL SPRINGS

Lourdes “Lu” Perez

Lu Perez has been a Case Manager with Broward Health
for almost four decades. She graduated from Broward
Community College in 1983 with an Associate Degree in
Specializing in Medically Nursing and started her nursing career at Broward Health
Medical Center the same year. Perez also worked as an
Complex Patients admission nurse, assistant nurse manager and later transi-
tioned into case management. She carried that role to
Broward Health Coral Springs, where she has worked since
Kindred Hospitals are owned by Kindred 1996. In her current role, Perez specializes in discharge
Healthcare, Inc., a national network of Long Term planning, arranging post-acute care needs of general and
Acute Care Hospitals (LTACH's). orthopedic surgical patients. It requires daily interaction with patients, families, insur-

Kindred Hospitals provide specialized, high quality ance providers, physicians, nurses, physical therapists and social workers to ensure that
care for acutely ill patients. For more than a decade, post-acute care is coordinated in a timely manner. Perez enjoys interacting with the
we have fine-tuned the art of medically complex care. patients and helping those with complex discharge planning needs. She is also an active
member of the Colorectal Committee and was part of the team instrumental in helping
Our services range from complex catastrophic the hospital gain Joint Commission certification in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.
illnesses that require intensive care, post-surgical medical
rehabilitation to patients suffering from chronic diseases requiring respiratory and
rehabilitative therapies. Kindred Hospitals provide outcome-oriented MEMORIAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL
cost effective care for patients with a wide spectrum of
medical conditions. Polly Marinelli, RN

Admissions to Kindred Hospitals may be Polly Marinelli has been a nurse in the Memorial
recommended by physicians, acute-care hospitals, Healthcare System for more than 30 years, first in the inten-
rehabilitation hospitals, managed care providers, case sive care unit, then in the cardiac cath lab, and, for the past
management companies or by the patient’s family. decade, as a case manager in Hollywood.
In all cases family tours are encouraged. “I’ve learned I can help patients in a significant way with-
out being bedside,” said Marinelli. “I enjoy closing the care
loop by discharging them to a safe place and assisting the
family with the transition.”
Kindred Hospital Kindred Hospital Kindred Hospital Kindred Hospital
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Coral Gables The Palm Beaches Marinelli says she finds small ways to preserve the

1516 East Las Olas Blvd. 1859 Van Buren St. 5190 Southwest Eighth St. 5555 West Blue Heron Blvd patient’s dignity, especially in situations where going back
Ft. Lauderdale FL 33301 Hollywood, FL 33020 Coral Gables, FL 33134 Riviera Beach, FL 33418 home isn’t the best option. She understands that individuals
954-764-8900, ext. 5136 954-920-9000 305-448-1585 561-904-8451 often give up their independence and are forced to accept assistance when a change in
www.khfortlauderdale.com www.khsfhollywood.com www.khcoralgables.com www.khthepalmbeaches.com lifestyle is required, so Marinelli makes it a point to be especially encouraging to the
patient and their family.

20 October 2021 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News