KINA HOOKER
Kina’s Inspiring Path Into Patient Care And Case Management
In this edition of our Employee Spotlight, we feature Kina Hooker, a dedicated EHS team member who has transitioned from a diverse background into her current role as a case manager. Kina’s journey is inspiring, marked by her resilience, passion for patient care, and the unique path that brought her to EHS.
For nearly a decade, Kina’s journey in patient care and case management has been much more inspiring. Her story starts with a unique background—nine years spent as a dedicated Foster Mom, adopting six children, and specializing in the care of therapeutic girls. At one point, Kina oversaw seventeen girls’ well-being simultaneously, showcasing her commitment to providing a loving and safe home for those who needed it most. Through this experience, she gained extensive knowledge in psychiatry, psychiatric medications, paperwork management, and overall care, laying the foundation for her transition into the field of nursing.
Can you tell me more about your background and how you came to work at EHS?
For nine years, I served as a Foster Mom and eventually adopted six children. During that time, I specialized in caring for therapeutic girls. At some point, I had seventeen girls at one time. Most of my daughters had graduated, with five completing their studies in the same year—a record according to my agency.
Later, I enrolled in nursing school, accompanied by some of my foster children, and the experience proved challenging. During my transition to nursing, I narrowed down the foster children to keep one girl in my care, who was an honor roll student with a track scholarship and whom I eventually adopted. As a foster mom, I faced significant challenges in managing paperwork. it required detailed documentation of behaviors, doctor’s appointments, medications, and more. There’s a lot to manage, and it’s very similar to being a nurse.
Following nursing school, I spent nine years at CHI Livingston, moving from med-surge nursing to roles in the ER and ICU. I then focused on educating Medicare patients to prevent hospitalization before transitioning to a CDI position gaining coding and chart reading skills. These diverse experiences prepared me for my current role as a case manager at EHS, where I’ve been for the past five years.
In 2018, seeking new challenges, I explored opportunities in Cleveland and was hired on the spot as a case manager at EHS—a role I’ve passionately embraced for the last five years.
What does a typical day of work look like for you?
I assess new patients’ living situations, insurance, and social needs. I connect them with appropriate resources like home health personnel and document their information in our chart. I provide resources for food insecurity or affordability issues and establish connections with other organizations. My work involves building relationships, collaborating with marketers, and engaging in outreach efforts to provide patients with appropriate resources.
What are the significant challenges you face in your role?
The primary challenges I face in my role revolve around individuals facing homelessness. My role is primarily focused on hospital-related tasks, not housing. In the case of homeless patients, I usually advise them about available shelters. However, it becomes challenging when they suddenly change their minds after receiving the information and mention someone else is helping them with shelter.
Do you have any success story you would like to share about a case you handled?
I do have a success story I’d like to share. There was a lady who moved here to live with her brother, and it became evident that she had some psychological issues. Her situation took a challenging turn when, following a hospitalization, her brother told her that she couldn’t return to his home. This left her facing potential homelessness, I set out to find her a home that would treat her right. Over time, she expressed a desire to move towards independent living.
What do you like most about your job as a case manager?
I love looking at charts and the most information, especially on how a patient presents in the ER. This involves digging deeper and examining factors like heart rate, fever presence, lactic acid levels, and ABG results. Did we correctly obtain a venous sample, or was there a mix-up? Are they genuinely experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? All these vital signs and details contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition.
What do you like most about working at EHS?
The aspect I love most about working at EHS is the freedom and independence it offers. I appreciate the autonomy and the opportunity to have my own office. This enables me to concentrate on my responsibilities without unnecessary distractions. While some of my role’s elements are less enjoyable, such as compiling the list of “Avoidable Days”, it’s a task I undertake. Addressing “Avoidable Day” involves explaining why a patient remained in the hospital for over three days. Monthly lists are a state requirement. Collaborating with the Quality team is essential as it informs us about nuances in Medicare guidelines and requirements, ensuring compliance with CMS regulations.
What advice would you give to somebody considering a career in case management or a similar position?
I often advise many nurses to view it as an excellent opportunity. Dive into understanding your labs and learn the typical treatment protocols. Familiarize yourself with the criteria for sepsis, as case management is a natural progression from being a nurse. Case management might be right if you seek more security and a manageable workload without excessive stress.
What do you like to do in your Spare time?
I enjoy spending quality time with my 15-year-old daughter when I’m not working. Cooking is another interest of mine, and it’s a skill I honed during the years of caring for my foster daughters. I have a son with twins and another child, and I also like spending time with them. I also like playing bingo online. In an ideal world, I would spend my time fishing on a beach, as it is my true passion.