Legal Nurse Consultant Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.876

Pennsylvania

Education

2003   Post-Graduate Certificate, Medicare Set-Aside Arrangements, MediPro Seminars and
University of Florida, Gainsville, FL

Coursework and interactions with professionals in the medical/legal arena with focus on skills
and methodologies for evaluation, research, and development of a Medicare Set-Aside arrangement
in worker’s compensation, personal injury, and medical malpractice claims.

1998   Post-Graduate Certificate, Managed Care / Case Management, Rutger’s University, New
Brunswick, NJ.

Coursework and interactions with Case Management professionals in the managed care arena with
focus on shifting trends, organizational structure, financial and contractual agreements, ethics and
legal issues.

1995   Post-Graduate Certificate, Life Care Planning For Advanced Catastrophic Case Management,
Rehabilitation Training Institute and University of Florida, Gainsville, FL.

Coursework and interactions with Case Management professionals from across the country with
focus on life care planning methodologies as an important tool in clinical, community, and forensic
rehabilitation.

1993   Post-Graduate Certificate, Nursing Administration, Villanova University, Villanova, PA.

Coursework and interactions with Nursing Leaders from a wide area and diverse background with
focus on leadership techniques, law and risk management in Nursing, advanced money
management, labor relations, human resources and relations, and managerial objectives.

1988   Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric / Education, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd
Valley, PA.

Clinical focus on care for normal, high-risk, and chronically ill child within the family.

Functional role in education with focus on curriculum design and formal education.

Research thesis on effect of parent teaching in child development on use of discipline with children.

1981   Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA.

Dual minor degrees in Psychology and English.
School Nurse Certification

1979   Associate of Science in Nursing, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd Valley, PA.

Professional Experience

1995 -   Consulting, Doylestown, PA - Present  President

Provide individual and medical-legal consultation and case review.

Prepare life care plans for individuals with catastrophic injuries, physical and developmental
disabilities.

Provide case management for individuals with complex medical and therapeutic needs.

Provide education programs for professionals and community groups in areas of expertise.

1998 -   Children’s Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Present Per Diem Case Manager / Referral Coordinator

Provide case management services to acute and chronically ill children on all units.

Provide clinical coordination / supervision / education for staff nurses.

1989 -   Thomas Jefferson University School of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing,
Present Philadelphia, PA, Clinical Instructor

Precept and evaluate clinical experiences of graduate and undergraduate nursing students; present
classes within area of expertise.

1993-2003 University Affiliated Program/Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental
Disabilities at Children’s Seashore House (with The University of Pennsylvania),
Philadelphia, PA, Core Faculty (1993-1998)

Lecture and facilitate practical experiences for graduate and post-doctoral trainees and fellows in an
interdisciplinary leadership program.

Parent/Consumer Faculty (1993-2003)
Presentations, practical, and mentor experiences for graduate and post-doctoral trainees and fellows
in an interdisciplinary leadership program.
Resource to clinical staff members regarding issues of parenting children with physical and
developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs.

1989-2001 The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA
Clinical Instructor / Preceptor
Precept and evaluate clinical experiences of graduate and undergraduate nursing students; present
classes within area of expertise.

1981-1998 Children's Seashore House, Philadelphia, PA
Cerebral Palsy Program Manager / Care Manager

Manage ambulatory care services for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Coordinate interdisciplinary team efforts in evaluation and monitoring of complex care needs in an
outpatient setting.

Provide case management for cerebral palsy population in the community and during inpatient
rehabilitation stay (including precertification and concurrent review).

1996 - 1997 (Sept.-Jan.), Interim Care Manager

Coordinate delivery of interdisciplinary care for patients with comprehensive rehabilitation needs, and
their families.

Interface with insurance Case Managers for concurrent review and discharge planning.

Participate in task force for development of pediatric rehabilitation day treatment program.

Recommend strategies for continued development of care management services.

1993 - 1997, Director of Nursing Education

Direct all nursing education programs for 77 bed pediatric acute rehabilitation  hospital.

Coordinate all Nursing activities in UAP/LEND for the preparation of advanced interdisciplinary
trainees in the specialty of children with developmental disabilities.

Responsible for  management of Clinical Nurse Specialist and Unit-Based Educator positions and
Nursing Education budget.

Responsible for management of Administrative Assistant and Secretary positions.

Chair and participate in numerous hospital and nursing committees.

1987 - 1993, Education Coordinator

Direct all nursing education programs including orientation, staff development, and continuing
education for 72 bed pediatric acute rehabilitation and specialized care hospital.

Develop and coordinate interdisciplinary education curriculum and case presentations.

Coordinate parent education/support group in collaboration with Director of Social Work.

Responsible for  management of Education and Clinical Nurse Specialist positions and Nursing
Education Budget.

Chair and participant in hospital and nursing committees and task force efforts.

1983 - 1986, Assistant Head Nurse (Clinical Manager)

Clinical manager of 16 bed pediatric subacute care and acute rehabilitation unit, including ventilator
dependent population.

First line supervision and management of 40 RN, LPN, CCW (aide) and clerk positions.

Coordinate scheduling and unit function with emphasis on cost containment.

Coordinate patient care delivery from pre-admission through discharge phase.

Chair and participate in nursing committees to address policy and procedures, quality assurance,
documentation, precepting, and primary nursing.

1981 - 1983, Staff Nurse

Charge Nurse and Primary Nurse in both Philadelphia and Atlantic City facilities.

Chair and participate in nursing committees to address policy and procedures, quality  assurance, documentation, integration of nursing diagnosis,

1979 -1981 American Oncologic Hospital (Fox Chase Cancer Center), Staff Nurse

Charge Nurse and Team Leader.

Certifications

Certified Nursing Case Management, 1998-present

Certified Life Care Planner, 1996-present

Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse, 1991-present

Basic Cardiac Life Support Provider, 1977-present

School Nurse Certification (academic), Pennsylvania, 1981-present

Nursing Registration, Pennsylvania, 1979-present; New Jersey, 1981-present

Basic Cardiac Life Support Instructor, 1988-2000

Professional Memberships

International Academy of Life Care Planners

International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals

American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses

American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants

Case Management Society of America

Society of Pediatric Nurses

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses

Sigma Theta Tau International - Honor Society of Nursing

Selected Presentations / Courses

Available upon Request

Publications

Available upon request.