Meet a member: Celebrate the small wins

Jeanne Johnson, RN, BSN, MHA/INF, CCDS, is the director of CDI and coding for Premier Health, a member of the local Ohio ACDIS local chapter, and has been in CDI for 11 years

ACDIS: What did you do before entering CDI?
Johnson: I worked as a bedside nurse in cardiology, pulmonary, infectious diseases, and infusions nurse at Premier’s level three trauma center.

ACDIS: Why did you get into this line of work? 
Johnson: I had just completed my BSN and was selected as a team member to start and build the CDI program at one of our community hospitals.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest challenge? 
Johnson: I would say initially the biggest challenge included physician buy-in to the program. The second challenge would probably include managing scope creep for my team.

ACDIS: What has been your biggest reward?
Johnson: I think the biggest reward is watching your teams grow, meet goals, and advance their own careers. I really love helping someone get to the next level.

ACDIS: How has the field changed since you began working in CDI?
Johnson: That is a great question. Initially, our main focus was DRG shifts. From there we expanded into the quality realm focusing on patient safety indicators, hospital acquired conditions, and—now—mortality reviews and risk adjustment.

ACDIS: Can you mention a few of the “gold nuggets” of information you’ve received from colleagues on The Forum or through ACDIS?
Johnson: Yes, the forums allow the opportunity for networking, problem solving, and addressing issues with a panel of experts. It is a wonderful way to connect with others and to avoid recreating the wheel, so to speak. The ACDIS community is so amazing in all that they do, and I really appreciate what is offered to members and non-members alike. From job descriptions to policy development, ACDIS offers a plethora of “gold nuggets.”

ACDIS: If you have attended, how many ACDIS conferences have you been to? What are your favorite memories?
Johnson: While I have not had the opportunity to attend the ACDIS conference, I have had the distinct pleasure of attending two ACDIS CDI Leadership Exchanges. My favorite memories are forging relationships and networking with other leaders in the industry. Those relationships carry forward and truly help to shape my leadership.

ACDIS: What piece of advice would you offer to a new CDI specialist?
Johnson: Take one day at a time and give yourself grace when starting as a CDI specialist. Also, celebrate the small wins as you grow and learn, it really is a marathon and not a sprint.

ACDIS: If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Johnson: Wow, I haven’t considered that as I get to do what I love every day. With that said, it may be working as a barista. I love a good coffee!

ACDIS: What was your first job?
Johnson: In high school, I was always babysitting and worked for various families until I went to college.

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

• Vacation spots: Hilton Head Island
• Hobby: Exercise/weightlifting
• Non-alcoholic beverage: Coffee
• Foods: Steak and Eggs
• Activity: Traveling

ACDIS: Tell us about your family and how you like to spend your time away from CDI (if you wish).
Johnson: I have been married to my husband for 26 years in April. We have three boys and our youngest is graduating high school this year (I am their biggest cheerleader, no doubt). We also have two King Cavalier Spaniels, which I adore. When I am not working, I enjoy family time and getting together with friends.