Hersom

I have been an RN for going on 20 years. Working in Healthcare 25 years total, I have been employed in a variety of clinical settings in healthcare since the age of 15. A lot of my nursing career has been working in various aspects of Maternal/Child health (approximately 10 years) and then changing directions to work temporary positions as a Home Health RN, occupational health nurse providing cholesterol screening, BP checks and giving flu shots. I was a summer camp nurse for the summer of 2008 and 2009 with children ages 6-16; a Case Manager and discharge planner on an inpatient Children’s respiratory unit, I was a prior authorization nurse, processing medical necessity determinations for DME and skilled nursing visits in the Home Health department, for Medicaid Title XIX program of the State of Texas. I have also worked within a Substance Abuse program with jail diversion clients, while working to complete my advanced degree.

I am working on my MBA/HCM at the University of Phoenix online program and cannot wait to finish, I have one class remaining and it has been an interesting road that I have enjoyed. The research part of my educational requirements has been my favorite, and issues involving health education and heart health hold a new curiosity. Health policy at a national level as well as state has become a newfound interest of mine especially with the ongoing political climate for healthcare reform. Risk Management more than ever has become an area I have become passionate about, with the patient safety issues and concerns for quality being at the forefront of most agendas.

I assisted with lobbying in 2007-2011at the state capital as a volunteer with the American Heart Association. I also serve on the American Heart Association’s advisory board for the State of Texas advocacy grassroots committee.