Meet a Member: After 14 years in the field, this CDI specialist is still learning everyday

Jaime Baker Sherman, RN, BSN, CCDS, is a CDI Quality Oversight Specialist, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) in Iowa City.

ACDIS: How long have you been in the CDI field?
Sherman: I’ve been in it since 2004. That’s when the program started at UIHC and I was one of the original eight, and I’m the only one left of those eight. At the time, we did everything on paper—we did our workflow on paper, we communicated on paper—everything. And, at the time, you really just had to get a CC and then you moved on. Everything has changed since then.

I received my CCDS in 2015 and recently took the position of the CDI Quality Oversight Specialist for the program.

ACDIS: What did you do before entering CDI?
Sherman: I’ve been here at UIHC since 1983. I was a critical care nurse, a burn nurse, trauma nurse—the adrenaline rush nurse. But, I like the learning and I was always digging into medical record details, so that helped me to transition to CDI.

ACDIS: Why did you get into this line of work?
Sherman: Someone reached out to me at UIHC because they knew I was detail oriented. It’s a good place to work and you receive great care here, so I was happy to stay at this facility albeit in another role.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest challenge?
Sherman: I think it’s a universal challenge for those working in CDI--it’s the physician involvement and their understanding of CDI. Trying to introduce the physicians throughout the hospital to CDI was difficult at the beginning. When we started out we were not well accepted, that’s for sure. You just can’t tell them what to do, you have to guide them and that can be difficult when things are changing. I did know quite a few of the physicians when I started, so that helped.

And the evolving nature of the CDI profession and its focus was challenging. There was no ACDIS when I started, no APR-DRGs, everything was paper. It’s hard to keep the physicians on track when everything’s changing, but we try to be a help them and present ourselves in that light.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest reward?
Sherman: It’s when I talk to the doctors and residents. I bring them treats sometimes. I just want them to understand what CDI is all about. When the MD’s do understand, and update their progress notes, that’s the reward. Sometimes they’re entrenched in things, so it’s really rewarding when they understand [make the connection between their documentation and our efforts to help them].

ACDIS: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?
Sherman: The use of the encoder. We used to look everything up in books and now you can do it on the computer in half the time.

ACDIS: Can you mention a few of the "gold nuggets" of information you've received from colleagues on the Forum or through ACDIS?
Sherman: You have to keep up with the changes in CDI and reach out and look up things. You really have to reach out to others in order to advance in this role.

ACDIS: If you have attended, how many ACDIS conferences have you been to? What are your favorite memories?
Sherman: I did go to the conference in Atlanta and the speakers were good, the networking was good. I think my favorite part was the networking and that area where we went and saw all the vendors. I liked going around and getting all the tid-bits I could bring back and share.

ACDIS: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Sherman: Be a helpful hand and try to work with the doctors. Say “I’m here to help you and there are a lot of changes going on.” And work for that CCDS. I think it makes a huge difference. You learn so many documentation tidbits when you start studying.

ACDIS: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Sherman: Can I say retired? That would be my next job.

ACDIS: What was your first job?
Sherman: I was a waitress (or a hostess).

ACDIS: Can you tell us about a few of your favorite things?

• Vacation spots: I like San Diego, and my daughter’s in Minnesota, so I like going to visit her. Plus, anyplace I can go golf with my husband, and I enjoy Arizona.
• Hobby: Golfing, gardening, walking, reading, baseball games, traveling, spending time with my grandkids
• Non-alcoholic beverage: Peach tea, unsweetened. 
• Foods: Mexican, Chinese, a hamburger off the grill, a BLT with tomatoes from the garden, and corn

ACDIS: Tell us about your family and how you like to spend your time away from CDI.
Sherman: We all went on a family vacation and it was wonderful. I have grandchildren ages one, two, three, and six, so I love spending time with them. We love to go on vacation with family.

ACDIS: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Sherman: I have enjoyed my journey as a CDI specialist and after 14 years, I think I’m still learning and still motivated. I received my CCDS when I was 60. I like the challenges of CDI and this field continues to evolve. I find it a rewarding career.