Jacqui McGuire | Nurses Week Profile

What are your passions away from work?

“I love hiking in the mountains, reading good books and spending time with friends and family.”

What does a day in your life look like at work?

"It can vary from day to day. My main focus is to work with our Accountable Care Organizations (ACOS) to increase the quality of care that our members receive. Evaluating the reports and data to find opportunities for the ACO providers towards this endeavor. And collaborating with the various ACO groups to for their specific Market trends and capabilities to help create healthier communities.”

What is the best part of your job?

“Being able to work with AOCs and providers to find ways to help UHC patients live healthier lives."

How do you incorporate Quality and Patient Safety into your work?

“Part of my work is to evaluate member admissions and ER visits. If I see a member using the ER or being admitted to the hospital several times within a month or two; I work with the ACO the member belongs to in order to identify why the member is in need of the higher level of care. Together we dig into the why and see if what can be done at the ACO level or even at UHC. For example, I have been working with my ACOs to identify our Medicare Advantage members that may be eligible for Low Income Subsidies (LIS) which would decrease their medication copays or even eliminate them.”

What words would you say to a nurse after a challenging day?

“Take time to focus on your mental, emotional and physical well-being. Like the airlines say ‘Put your own mask on first, then help. others.’ ”