For nurse practitioner Ikran Hussein, working for Signify Health offers more than just the opportunity to make a difference for health plan members. Her part-time role allows her to juggle the responsibilities of a meaningful career while keeping up with her young children.
"What I like most about Signify Health, after the time I get to spend with members, is the flexible schedule. I can put my child on the bus and be home in time for dinner and bed time,” she said.
Ikran discovered her interest in health care at a young age, inspired in part by her mother, also a nurse. Prior to joining Signify Health, Ikran worked in a variety of health care settings, including nursing homes, acute care and home care. However, longer shifts and late nights made it difficult to manage her schedule and be present for her family.
Improving Outcomes in Her Community
In previous health care roles, Ikran typically worked with a younger patient population. However, she’s enjoyed the transition to supporting the older members she encounters during a typical In-Home Health Evaluation (IHE).
"I really enjoy meeting people. They like the company and love telling you stories,” she said. “Some of these members are lonely and they really appreciate our presence in their homes.”
While some members are in great health, Ikran regularly encounters people managing chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart failure. When the opportunity presents itself, she takes time to coach members on the steps they can take to better manage their health.
For example, some members do not understand the importance of checking their blood sugar regularly or lack the materials they need to complete this vital task. Without the right supplies at home, it’s tough to manage blood sugar appropriately and understand the factors that increase blood sugar levels throughout the day. In these cases, Signify Health clinicians can easily flag the unmet need for follow up with the primary care provider (PCP) and, as appropriate, submit a non-urgent referral.
Moments That Matter
Ikran knows that she makes an impact during every IHE, but some visits stand out more than others. During a particularly frigid week, she met with a member whose heat was not working. The member did not have the money to pay for repairs.
“It was the dead of winter in Minnesota; it felt colder in his home than it did outside. I submitted an urgent referral and stressed the severity of the situation,” she explained.
Ikran was grateful for the opportunity to offer help to that member and refer them for further assistance.
During another IHE, Ikran noted a high blood pressure. The member said she normally took medication for her hypertension but was delayed getting a refill. She needed to see her PCP to obtain a new prescription but had to wait several weeks for an appointment.
“We called her PCP together, and I explained the situation. After some back and forth, they agreed to refill the prescription until she could be seen in the office. It felt like an immediate win — I knew the member could get the meds she needed,” Ikran said.
Completing visits in the home isn’t always easy. But, Ikran enjoys making a difference and feels a deep connection within her Minnesota community. She’s proud of her home state, often feeling humbled by the people she encounters.
In her free time, Ikran enjoys time with her young sons, visiting the library and spending time outdoors during warmer months. Gatherings with extended family are an important part of her life, giving her sons time with their cousins.
Are you a clinician interested in helping health plan members gain a more comprehensive view of their health? To learn more about opportunities with Signify Health, visit our clinical careers page.