Highlight a Nurse! Shereen Leiseth

Check out Shereen's article in this month's eNews out today!
*What led you to become a nurse?
"I chose nursing, nursing didn’t choose me (aka I didn’t have that 'Florence Nightingale moment'). I started as a CNA - working in a nursing home and a critical access hospital. Completed my LPN -working med/surg and walk-in clinic. I transitioned straight into the LPN to BSN program at NDSU - worked in critical care/ED/day surgery/and a smattering of other PRN positions after completing the BSN degree. I am currently finishing a MSN degree in Nursing Education."
*What talents, gifts, or skills do you have that assist you in your day-to-day work?
"I am detail oriented and flexible. I take great pride in what I do - achieving excellence and mastery is very important to me. I also believe in customer service. My job is to support those who are on the front lines. (I save lives on the computer.)"
*What is a typical day like for you?
"There are NO typical days. My job is to support case managers at non-VA hospitals in North Dakota and the upper ⅓ of Minnesota. This means non-stop trouble-shooting. I also review clinical and discharge documentation with the goal of coordinating care with the case managers, offering VA resources as appropriate. Another key aspect of my position is coordinating care for Veterans who travel from one VA to another with the Traveling Veteran Coordinators across the USA. This is a super busy time of year for that population as the snowbirds are heading south. I also work with transplant, acute rehab and LTACH patients….the list seems endless some days. As in all aspects of nursing - it is a team sport and I have amazing co-workers."
*What are some of the greatest challenges for you?
"Understanding the acronyms that come from the VA healthcare system! I view my job as being the VA 'interpreter’ for case managers in our service area."
*What are some ways that you see your specialty can make a difference in rural areas?
"Many people don’t realize that the VA can pay for unplanned episodes of care (ED visits/admissions/direct admissions) for Veterans at private healthcare facilities. I can offer the small, rural hospital VA resources for discharge planning.
I am continually advocating for, and educating hospital/case management staff, Veterans and their families about VA benefits.
Additionally, the Fargo VA has done an exceptional job of working to deliver healthcare to the rural populations utilizing technology with tele health options, video visits and more. With all of the pressure on overwhelmed healthcare systems right now, my goal is to offer VA resources whenever possible and appropriate."