By: Susan Roman, RN, MPH

It’s been quite a year for Connecticut Children’s Center for Care Coordination thanks in large part to amazing teamwork shown by our dedicated team members. We have had some small but significant successes, as well as achievements that have garnished national recognition. Some of our accomplishments include the publication of our first peer reviewed scientific manuscript, the convening of our third annual statewide care coordination forum, the publication of an article about the Center’s evolution on the Children’s Hospital Association website, and recognition by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a promising practice for children and youth with special needs.

If you conduct a Google search on what makes a business successful, you will find a plethora of articles listing those factors that contribute to success; everything from innovation to risk taking. I can tick off some of those same qualities as it relates to the Center. But I can unequivocally tell you what makes this Center successful; it is the dedicated team of care coordinators, nurses, social workers, program, data and administrative specialists!

Thank you Allison, Ann, April, Christine, Courtney, Jessica, Katherine, Laura, Lisa, Rachelle, and Trish (and past team member Shioban).

Granted, I may be a little biased but I can assure that I am not engaging in hyperbole when I talk about this team. Here is what I can tell you about the team at Connecticut Children’s Center for Care Coordination:

1. They rise to the challenge: Caring for children and families can be hard work; whether it is helping a family to understand and cope with a significant diagnosis, supporting a family whose child is experiencing a behavioral/mental health crisis, finding resources for a family that is experiencing financial instability, or advocating for an appropriate education. The team goes above and beyond to find those critical services that can support families through uncertainty and crisis.
2. They keep their eye on the prize: Sometimes change is exciting and sometimes it is hard. The Center has reinvented itself a few times over the last decade, and each time the team has created and engaged in innovation that supports our mission and vision in caring for children and their families.
3. They maintain a culture of respect, honesty, and support for one another: We all talk about the importance of creating a healthy culture where everyone is accountable, collaborative, and valued for their unique perspectives and expertise. It really happens here and although we do have our challenges now and then, the goal is to always come from a place of positive intent and to care enough about each other to be honest.
4. They encourage each other to be their absolute best: When one person succeeds, we all succeed. Anyone who wants to get to the next level, whether that means obtaining a degree or certificate, a promotion, or a new skill has the support of the entire team.

Watch the video from our latest Care Coordination Forum here.

Sure, I could have discussed our strategic plan, metrics, and organizational goals, and how these components contributed to the success of the Center. But you and I both know that the true predictor of success is having a healthy, happy and dedicated team that is committed to the mission of strengthening and enhancing child health and well-being.

Susan Roman, RN, MPH, is the program director for Connecticut Children’s Center for Care Coordination.

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