After years of navigating the twists, turns, and total chaos of the healthcare system, Dr. Jennifer Riggs, ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College Adjunct Instructor, finally put it all into one place—her new book, Break Glass in Case of Emergency: The Healthcare System Unlocked (Proceed with Caution and Caffeine!)
“In Break Glass in Case of Emergency, we’ll walk you through everything from decoding insurance fine print to figuring out how to escape a hospital without ending up with a bill the size of a small country’s GDP. We’ll take you on a journey through assisted living, skilled nursing, nursing homes, and hospice; and I promise, it’s not all doom and gloom! Along the way, you’ll pick up helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to make informed decisions, avoid pitfalls, and actually feel in control of the health care process (yes, it’s possible!).
This book is packed with expert advice, seasoned from years of health care experience, but served with a side of humor. After all, when the system seems designed to confuse you, sometimes laughter is the best medicine (next to actual medicine, of course).
Whether you’re a caregiver, patient, or someone just trying to make sense of the next big move, this guide is your trusty companion. Empower yourself with knowledge, prepare for the unexpected, and maybe even chuckle a little along the way, because you can’t spell health care without care; and with this book, you’ll be ready for anything.
If you’re part of the healthcare world—either professionally or personally—I’d love your thoughts, feedback, and help spreading the word. Let’s make navigating the system a little less overwhelming, and maybe even a little more entertaining.
Check it out, share it with someone who needs it, and let’s start empowering our community—one page at a time.”
Find the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/c8kAg02
Or Barnes and Noble at: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/break-glass-in-case-of-emergency-jennifer-riggs-phd/1147280192?ean=9798894278049
About the Author:
Dr. Jennifer Riggs has been an adjunct instructor for ENMU-Ruidoso since 2009 and has taught a variety of Criminal Justice, Psychology and Sociology courses. She is currently teaching Social Psychology and Introduction to Sociology. She was recognized in 2023 as the ENMU-Ruidoso Adjunct Teaching in Excellence award.
Dr. Jennifer Riggs is an accomplished operations executive and educator with over two decades of experience leading high-performing teams across healthcare, education, and public service sectors. A decorated U.S. Army veteran and award-winning administrator, she has built a distinguished career marked by strategic innovation, measurable outcomes, and a passion for service.
Dr. Riggs has held senior leadership roles in nationally recognized healthcare organizations including Genesis Healthcare, Brookdale Senior Living, and AccentCare. Her leadership has driven multimillion-dollar revenue increases, major improvements in employee retention, and quality care initiatives that have garnered industry recognition. In parallel, she has served as an adjunct professor at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso for over 15 years, empowering students in psychology, sociology, and criminal justice through forward-thinking, interactive instruction.
Since 2023, Dr. Riggs has been dedicated to writing her first book and advancing two original inventions currently in the utility patent process. A lifelong learner and creator, she spends her free time 3D printing and enjoying the company of her beloved dog, Ruby.
She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Capella University and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University. Dr. Riggs is an active member of several professional and veterans’ organizations.
