Meet a Member: Blessed with three loves—her family, the coast of Maine, and her work as a CDI

Diane Smith, RN, CCDS, a member of the Maine ACDIS Chapter, works at Pen Bay Medical Center in beautiful Rockport. A Connecticut native, she moved to Michigan but found she missed the east coast. On a trip to Maine she fell in love with the beauty of the area and the food. She talked her husband Mark into making the move in 2002 and over time, talked each of her three children to follow with their families. They have 12 grandchildren and when they first all moved to Maine, used to gather for game night every Saturday evening and although less frequently as it became difficult to juggle bedtimes they still get together every few weeks. She and her husband live with their sheepdog “Aggie,” and schnoodle “Mack.”

CDI Strategies: How long have you been in the CDI field? 
Smith: I began working in CDI November 2012.

CDI Strategies: What did you do before entering CDI?
Smith: I’ve been a nurse for 37 years, in ICU/CCU, outpatient surgery, telemetry, a nurse manager, in office nursing, and as a JCAHO auditor for a hospital. I’ve worked most every floor except the operating room.

CDI Strategies: Why did you get into clinical documentation?
Smith: I wanted something to challenge my mind. CDI nursing is like a big jigsaw puzzle and I love figuring how to put all the pieces together.

CDI Strategies: What has been your biggest challenge? 
Smith: Getting the providers on board was a little difficult as I was new to the hospital so I was virtually, an unknown entity. I needed to develop a bond of trust with the providers quickly to ensure a team effort.

CDI Strategies: What has been your biggest reward?
Smith: Seeing the new program that started when I did, soar. We took a chance and it continues to grow and develop. I have met so many great people starting with the HIM department, my manager and my work partner, trainers from Huron, to ACDIS chapter members and ACDIS conference attendees.

CDI Strategies: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI? 
Smith: CDI is growing in leaps and bounds. When I began not only was it new to me, but to all those around me. Every few days something changes, and there is always the opportunity to learn something new and teach it as well.

CDI Strategies: Can you mention a few of the “gold nuggets” of information you’ve received from CDI colleagues through ACDIS?
Smith: How to break through to your providers, tips on getting the message out there, and not getting discouraged when it appears they’re not listening.

CDI Strategies: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Smith: Hang in there! There’s always something to learn, people to learn from, and conferences to attend. CDI is expanding as we speak and your opportunities are endless.

CDI Strategies: If you could have any other job, what would it be? 
Smith: In nursing I want to stay right where I am. I’m happy and content. Outside of nursing I have a business where I sell my handmade knitted and crochet items, called “Nonnie’s Knits.” I would love more time to devote to that, but someday, I’m not in any hurry.

CDI Strategies: What was your first job (what you did while in high school)?
Smith: I worked in a stationary store called Mead’s in Greenwich Connecticut where I grew up. I worked there from age 16 until I graduated from nursing school. I worked in the greeting card and wrapping paper department.

CDI Strategies: Tell us a few of your favorite things:

• Vacation spots: Michigan visiting our families, anywhere on the east coast.

• Hobby: Cooking, crocheting/knitting, and playing the piano

• Non-alcoholic beverage: Iced tea with lemon, orange, and mint

• Foods: Italian food is my favorite, lobster and seafood are right up there, and I love trying anything new and different.

• Activity: Walking with the dogs in the evening. I love to watch my grandkids play sports, as long as I’m only watching.

Editor’s note: Are you interested or do you have a colleague who would like to be featured in our “Meet a Member” segment? Contact Associate Editorial Director Melissa Varnavas at mvarnavas@acdis.org.