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Retiring Nurses See Healthcare Advocacy As Second Career

Posted on: Monday, 12 May 2008, 12:00 CDT

BERKELEY, Calif., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Marie Shouldice, RN, sees herself as a "healthcare human GPS device" guiding patients through healthcare maze. For 28 years it's been her passion, and when she retires it will become her profession working as a private health advocate accredited by Berkeley, CA-based Healthcare Liaison.

"For many years I have witnessed the confusion, frustration, and angst that people encounter in the process of navigating the health care system," says Shouldice, who is a case manager/patient care coordinator for a large HMO. "I like to think of myself as a sort of Healthcare Human GPS device. I can take people on the most direct route to meeting their healthcare needs. When I retire from nursing, having a new career working as a healthcare advocate is the most logical extension of what I am doing now."

According to Healthcare Liaison CEO Joanna Smith, Marie is part of a large cohort of nurses in the US who are aging into retirement and looking for a second career using their experience and skills to help patients navigate today's complex healthcare system. "Nurses advocate for their patients everyday," says Smith. "As accredited private healthcare advocates, they can continue to work with patients -- but in a much less stressful environment."

Private healthcare advocates assist clients deal with numerous healthcare related issues, including assessing treatment options; identifying and arranging appropriate resources; and intervening with insurers to help resolve payment or coverage issues.

Workshop Details: What: "Becoming A Private Healthcare Advocate: 11 Steps To A New Career In Healthcare", presented by Healthcare Liaison, Inc. When/where: June 7 and 8, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Claremont Hotel, Berkeley Cost: $325 for both days. Includes manual and refreshments

Registration/more information: Visit http://www.healthcareliaison.com/workshops to register. For more information, call Healthcare Liaison: 510-704-8476, or email:Joanna@healthcareliaison.com

About Healthcare Liaison. Established in 2005, Healthcare Liaison is the first private healthcare advocacy practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founder and CEO Joanna Smith, LCSW, MPH has 25 years experience in the fields of health, public health and mental health, working as a medical social worker and hospital discharge planner in healthcare systems. For more information visit: http://www.healthcareliaison.com.

Healthcare Liaison

CONTACT: Joanna Smith, Principal, Healthcare Liaison, +1-510-704-8476,Joanna@healthcareliaison.com

Web site: http://www.healthcareliaison.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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