Meet a Member: Chapter leader discusses CDI rewards, challenges
When Karen Elmore, RN, BSN, CCDS, documentation quality coordinator at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, was asked to help start a CDI program at her facility nearly eight years ago, she knew her background as a nurse educator would pay off. She embraced her new role and was able to use her clinical knowledge as a neurointensive care unit nurse to engage providers and obtain buy-in for the now successful program. Elmore also serves as president of the Heart of Missouri ACDIS Local Chapter and is co-chair of the state chapter.
Elmore recently celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary—she and her husband, an engineer at the University of Missouri, flew to Hawaii, her “favorite place on earth.” They have two kids, daughter, Kadie, a sophomore at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and son, Jake, a freshman in high school. They also have a dog, Sally.
ACDIS Blog: What has been your biggest challenge since entering the CDI field?
Elmore: First and foremost, thinking in a totally different way. I knew what a DRG was, but I didn’t think it really applied to me when I was in the neuro ICU. Second was obtaining buy-in from physicians and administration. Many people do not really understand what a CDI specialist is or what they do.
ACDIS Blog: What has been your biggest reward?
Elmore: When you see the light bulb go off in a physician’s head, and they understand why we are concerned about clinical documentation and the greater affect it has on healthcare.
Elmore pictured with her family
ACDIS Blog: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?
Elmore: Tremendously. When I first started Acute Kidney Failure was an MCC. Quality measures are also in play now. We also have bundled payments, which is huge for facilities and for CDI.
ACDIS Blog: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDS?
Elmore: CDI is a great opportunity to learn. Soak up all the knowledge you can. Do not take things personally, especially when a physician gets upset because they feel you are questioning their intelligence, even though you are not. If you have a chance to go to the ACDIS National Conference, do it. The event is amazing with the networking, collaborating, and educational information.
ACDIS Blog: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Elmore: I would love to be a sports journalist, and call the game then interview the players.
Elmore’s dog, Sally
ACDIS Blog: What was your first job (what you did while in high school)?
Elmore: I worked at Kmart as a service desk supervisor. I got to call Blue Light Specials.
ACDIS Blog: Please tell us a few of your favorite things:
- Vacation spots: Hawaii
- Hobby: Family time, traveling, and shopping
- Non-alcoholic beverage: Sweet tea or London Fog, which is hot Earl Grey tea with steamed milk and sweetened vanilla
- Foods: That is my problem—I love to eat. Mexican is my favorite and my momma’s chicken and dumplings. I also love watermelon. I could go on forever!
- Activity: Watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball and University of Missouri football
Editor’s note: The ACDIS Blog regularly introduces an ACDIS member. If you would like to be featured or know someone who would, please email ACDIS Editor Linnea Archibald at larchibald@acdis.org.