Meet the CAB member: Lori Ganote serves Kentucky CDI professionals

Editor’s note: There are more than 40 local chapters and networking groups across the country and internationally, each led by a team of dedicated volunteers. To support these volunteers the Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) meets regularly to discuss matters of concern and to provide guidance to local chapters. This week, please take a minute to get to know Lori J. Ganote, MSN, RN, CCDS, system clinical documentation integrity auditor/educator at Baptist Health System in Louisville, Kentucky. If you are a local chapter leader or participate in local chapter events, you’ve no doubt benefited from their efforts, so why not take a moment and shoot them an email to share your thoughts? Contact Ganote via email at lori.ganote@bhsi.com.

Lori J. Ganote, MSN, RN, CCDS
System Clinical Documentation Integrity Auditor/Educator
Baptist Health System, Louisville, Kentucky
lori.ganote@bhsi.com  

When did you join CDI and how did you get here?

I joined the ranks of CDI in October of 2013. Prior to this transition I’d been a bedside nurse for eight years, in different venues. I did most of my direct care in outpatient settings, including home and long-term care. My favorite specialties are pediatrics and geriatrics.

My husband and I are blessed with five children, and as they aged we recognized their needs changed. It was during this time I began to expand my horizons. I transitioned away from direct care to a position that would accommodate busy schedules for our teenagers and young adults. It was with great excitement and a whole lot of anticipation when I began my CDI career. I honestly could not be happier with the change in course. I still feel a strong sense of advocacy to our patients, providers, and staff and strive to serve our community through education. The mutual benefit, of course, is being able to be there for my family and their needs. (Editor’s note: Ganote just welcomed a new grandbaby into the world, Emma June, born December 6, 2017.)

What made you volunteer for the local chapter?

The sense of community and sharing is very strong at our local chapter. Teamwork, encouragement, and support is offered to one and all. This atmosphere is very conducive to learning and sharing of challenges, success, and strengths. This environment made it easy to volunteer to help with planning the upcoming annual meeting, presenting educational topics, and outreach, and I have been very grateful for the opportunity to participate in our local chapter. 

What excites you most about local chapter events?

I am excited about outreaching to other programs that are not participating with the local chapter. I feel a strong sense of community and shared learning within our group, and the opportunity to extend this to others is amazing.  I am eagerly anticipating planning for the events, coordinating with the other members of our leadership team, communicating with new members, and preparing education materials.