Caregiver Spotlight
Celebrating Providence Health Plan nurses
10 May 2024
This National Nurses week and beyond, we’re proud to highlight some of the dedicated nursing caregivers who make an incredible impact. At Providence Health Plan (PHP), here are just a few of the many remarkable nurses who stand out — not just for their exceptional skills but also for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of members. From telephonic case managers to quality management professionals, each of these nurses brings a unique perspective and passion to their role.
Laura C. Mizner
Laura C. Mizner, RN, BSN, CCM, is a telephonic nurse case manager in the Care Management Department at PHP. She brings more than three decades of nursing experience to her work, having served as a bedside nurse, case manager, and care manager.
“No matter which nursing role life leads you toward, a nurse always feels deep in their soul that they are a nurse through and through — you can take the nurse out of a setting, but a setting cannot take the nurse out of a nurse,” she says.
Stephanie Asher
Stephanie Asher uses her over 25 years of nursing experience to serve as a Compliance Clinical Program Manager at PHP. Her passion for learning and advocacy is clear in the diverse nature of her work, from Mental Health Parity to utilization management nursing.
“My favorite part of being a nurse is advocating for people. Giving people a voice regarding their individual healthcare circumstances has been a driving force,” she says. “Whether on the medical floor in the hospital, in people's homes in home health, or doing utilization management [a nurse is] behind the scenes advocating for someone. Everyone adds their expertise to the team when working for members.”
David Adam
David Adam's dedication to case management nursing stems from his desire to assist individuals through vulnerable times. His commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable aligns seamlessly with PHP's mission-based approach. David's advice to aspiring nurses highlights the profound impact of providing support and care to those in need.
"[My favorite part of being a nurse is] the level of trust and respect that often comes when telling someone you are a nurse.”
Jana Starr
Jana Starr finds fulfillment in nursing through the chance to bless others. As an RN Case Manager in Healthcare Services at PHP, she emphasizes the rewarding nature of advocacy and care in nursing. Jana's dedication to Providence's mission and values reflects her commitment to serving others with compassion and integrity.
“I am encouraged and blessed when the work I do as a nurse helps members and patients reach their health goals, overcome challenges, and find comfort in the midst of their suffering,” she says.
Nancy Lor
Nancy Lor, a Claims Nurse with cross-training in Reconsideration Nursing at PHP, worked at Providence St. Vincents as a new nurse. Now, she reflects on how she was attracted to PHP after seeing Providence’s core values and mission lived out in the nurses’ treatment toward each other and the patients.
“My favorite part is being a part of a member’s healing process or treatment. It is a privilege to be able to affect a person’s journey in life, no matter how small it may be,” she says.
Sheryl Pullen
Sheryl Pullen's career journey—from Postpartum Nursing to Quality Management at PHP — is a great example of the versatility in nursing. Her role allows her to take a deep dive into member complaints and collaborate with multiple other teams to ensure members receive the best care.
“I am honored to be part of the PHP Quality Management Team,” she says. “The satisfaction of knowing that I am a small part of providing quality care, service, and safety to our members is an honor and a privilege.”
Halley Frishkorn
Halley Frishkorn's dedication to behavioral health case management at PHP is apparent in her compassionate approach to nursing. Her understanding of the importance of community support serves as a support for those in need.
She says for her, joining PHP was more than a career decision; it was a continuation of her journey towards advocating for those who often go unseen and unheard in society.
“My work often meets members in acute mental health crisis. We see them on their worst days and with that comes a variety of emotions, frustrations, and safety risks. It is important to be able to patiently listen, hear their heart, and be able to meet them where they are — not where we ‘expect’ them to be,” she says. “Self-care will be vital for the caregiver to ensure that we are able to show up for them without it causing emotional distress in our own lives.”
While each nurse at PHP brings a unique set of skills and experiences to their role, they are united by a shared commitment to excellence and compassion. Thank you to all these extraordinary individuals who continue to inspire us with their dedication, resilience, and unwavering compassion.
