Q: How long have you been with Community Health Plan of Washington and what is your current role?
I have been with CHPW since January of this year, although I am a bounce-back employee. I was employed with CHPW in the role of Utilization Management review nurse in 2013 prior to it being outsourced. I worked at Health Integrated on CHPW’s account for three years and was lucky enough to return as part of the new UM team. The reviews I encounter can vary as we use different sources of criteria, so there can be a lot of hunting skills involved. I was recently promoted to OP UM Supervisor. There is a huge learning curve, but I have plenty of support and encouragement from both my team and manager, Yves, which makes the challenge a lot of fun. My role as supervisor is to monitor the daily queue to ensure cases are reviewed promptly, investigate criteria for consistency, resolve UM decision-related concerns from providers and members, and to help with any concerns from my team members that might hamper their ability to perform their job.

Q: What do you most enjoy about your work at CHPW?
I enjoy the diversity of CHPW itself. CHPW reminds me of a microcommunity that evolves with the larger community where we serve. We all come from varying backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, and we are encouraged to value those differences. Everyone’s ideas are welcome.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in health care?
I like helping people, like most healthcare workers do. As a nurse, I was able to help people one at a time. Now, I get to be part of an ever growing-medical system that makes sure people are taken care of for generations to come.

Q: What is something you have recently learned or accomplished that you are proud of?
I am very proud of having learned how to make a Pivot Table! This was a huge accomplishment for someone who was not raised in the Internet age. My older children were quite impressed.

Q: What is your favorite season in Washington state and why?
I love the winters in Washington. Winters here are long and dark with constant rain. I find myself driving to the waterfront during the stormy season so I can just listen to music and watch nature.   The long dark days are perfect for getting in comfy clothes and enjoying the fireplace. It’s like clean camping in your own home.