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

MEMORIAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL SOUTH MEMORIAL REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Carolyn Ayers, RN Maria Judith Miranda, RN, BSN,
CRM
A nurse for nearly 40 years and a case manager for 10,
Carolyn Ayers is a critical link to helping patients transi- With nearly four decades healthcare experience under
tion to a new way of life following inpatient rehabilitation her belt, first as a medical surgical unit nurse and now in
at Memorial Regional Hospital South. With many of those case management, there aren’t many situations Maria
she works with recovering from strokes, traumatic brain, Judith Miranda hasn’t encountered. That, she believes, is
and spinal cord injuries, it’s imperative they leave her a big advantage for the patients and families she works
facility with the proper equipment, aftercare, and emo- with. “My background enables me to be their biggest
tional support. “They’re entering a different environment. advocate. I have the knowledge that nurses have, an
I don’t want them to feel alone and even those with family understanding of what insurance will cover, and am able
assistance need someone who can make a difference with- to provide options after discharge from the hospital.”
in the system,” said Ayers. Miranda says her goal is always to be clear, concise, and honest about what she
Ayers considers patient advocacy to be one of her most important roles, citing the believes is the appropriate action plan.
circumstances of a recent trauma patient that is now a quadriplegic. While his new “Maria is known for her positive attitude and has the ability to remain calm and
situation will no doubt be filled with challenges, Ayers was able to help by arranging patient as she helps patients/families navigate and understand the next transitions of
for disabled parking, setting up paratransit services, making referrals to support care,” said Cindy Kohn, director of clinical effectiveness at Memorial Regional
groups, and scheduling all the necessary doctor’s appointments that would be Hospital. “This can be a very overwhelming and confusing time for them, but they
required in the time to come. are reassured that Maria is there to guide them.”

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PEMBROKE
Memorial Hospital Pembroke JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Erika Solis, MSW Martha Tinoco-Romero RN, BSN, CCM

It’s always critical that case managers effectively com- Managing cases in a pediatric setting can be difficult,
municate with patients and families, but those conversa- especially when abuse is suspected, but Clinical
tions have taken on additional meaning during COVID- Effectiveness Case Manager Martha Tinoco-Romero is up
19. to the challenge. She is a key part of the team that works
“Families are in need of constant contact, since the closely with social work and community liaisons.
coronavirus has kept them from visiting loved ones at our “Martha is an advocate for the most vulnerable children
hospital,” says Erica Solis, a case manager and social in our community,” said Rebecca Kordsmeier, director of
worker. “Their only connection may be the phone and clinical effectiveness at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
we’re the go-between for the clinical staff, families, and It’s a role Tinoco-Romero accepts willingly, similar to
the patient. It’s critical we’re all on the same page.” how she approaches her other duties, which include
Solis, who has been at Memorial Hospital Pembroke for working with COVID-19 patients and mentoring BSN
the past three years, says she brings an added level of understanding to the COVID students or fellow employees in the art of utilization
situation, since one of her own family members has had the virus. “It’s rewarding to review. It’s that understanding of what insurance and
safely transition someone from a COVID unit to wherever their next destination may community resources are available to patients and families that has enabled Tinoco-
be. These are different times, but there’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing you’re making Romero to have success within the Memorial Healthcare System since 2003, includ-
a difference in someone’s life.” ing the last six years as a member of the children’s hospital team. “She is an outstand-
ing employee,” said Kordsmeier.
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MIRAMAR
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WEST

Lujuana Morales, RN, BSW, CRM
Yolanda Bianchi, RN
While she doesn’t possess a magic wand to make things
better, Lujuana Morales does bring the unique qualities of Within the next few weeks, Yoli Bianchi will wake up
both a nurse and social worker and the resources of the and not report for duty at Memorial Hospital West. After
Memorial Healthcare System to the patients she advocates more than two decades with Memorial Healthcare
for. Most recently, it’s been on behalf of those hospitalized System, the longtime ICU nurse and case manager is retir-
with COVID-19 and their families at a time where visita- ing. “I’m excited. I’ll miss my MHS family, but am looking
tion is prohibited. “I speak with them every day and let forward to focusing on myself and developing new skills.”
them know they’re not alone, that we’re here to support Bianchi’s legacy can be seen through the words and
them, and to offer reassurance, encouragement, and actions of fellow case managers, most of whom she
resources,” said Morales. trained for the job. “Yoli’s willingness to consistently and
It’s a message that’s welcomed by all those that hear it. “Lujuana connects in a way effortlessly go above and beyond for patients, families,
that few people can,” said Patricia Wilds, director of clinical effectiveness at Memorial and co-workers makes her truly one-of-a-kind,” said Kim Fego, director of clinical
Hospital Miramar. “Her care and compassion come through in every conversation. effectiveness at Memorial Hospital West. “Her knowledge, compassion, collaboration,
She’s been a lifeline for many families during the pandemic.” and ability to make any situation better is what made her a top-notch case manager.”
“I know I’m in the right place,” said Morales, “and I look forward to many more Fittingly, Bianchi saved some of her best for last, helping patients and staff navigate
years serving and advocating for those in need.” COVID-19 and some of the most challenging times any South Florida hospital has
faced.

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