Becoming a CM with no experience in CM

[MomRN0913]

I am an RN for over 5 years, first in bedside ICU nursing, then a miserable 6 months in nursing management working for a dictator. I no long her that job, I got fired for not signing an awful agreement. All besides the point. Anyways, what I really, really want to do with my nursing career is become a case manager. I got a ver small taste of it as a nurse manager of an LTACH and and it seems like there are so many opportunities in CM.

However, I feel like a new grad because every job listing for CM requires experience. Well, who's going ot give me that experience? The only small hope I have is my old hospital which I basically had most of career in wants me to come back. Perhaps as a manager of a telemetry floor, definitely wants me back bedside ICU.... but there is a CM position that I really want and it does ask for 1 year of experience. I am hoping since they know me, and I know one of the best CM in the hospital, they will give me a chance to learn.

Otherwise, how can I get into it? Are there CM courses I can take? How can I learn what the the requirements for this position are, so I at least can say I have knowledge of their requirements?

ANy help is appreciated, thanks!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

the only small hope i have is my old hospital which i basically had most of career in wants me to come back....i am hoping since they know me, and i know one of the best cm in the hospital, they will give me a chance to learn.

talk to the hiring managers for the cm department. hiring managers may be willing to ignore the 1 year of work experience if he/she has the team and resources to train you and he/she knows you well.... connections work!

[cclear2020]

within your nursing career you have mastered many of the duties required for a CM, you just need to really focus on your resume against the job description and sell yourself! A per diem CM may allow more flexibility in experience, especially if you take the hours/days that nobody wants like all weekends. this will give you training and experience and the facility loves having a weekend person because it keeps the m-f staff happy.

[jeffsher]

Many times companies will post that they want experience, but that doesn't mean that they ONLY hire those with experience. Ignore the experience requirement and apply anyway. What do you have to lose?

[beachyfe]

Try insurance or managed care companies instead of hospitals. I got a job as a CM without experience. They are usually looking for nurses who have significant clinical experience and they train you as a CM. Most will require you get the CCM certification within a couple years, though.

[pa715]

You could always try home health for a year or two. You are essentially a case manager for a caseload, and lots of what you do is help them manage their disease on a day to day basis in their home. So different from the hospital or clinic.

[tewdles, RN]

Hospices provide a "new" avenue for nursing case management which is very fulfilling for the staff I know and work with. The role of CM in hospice is much better defined and "fleshed out" in hospice as compared to homecare. My experience in homecare is that they expected the RNCMs to manage in excess of 40 patients over large service areas...this is not functional, IMHO.

[funnygirl_rn2]

Hello. Many of the above posts gave you great suggestions. Personally, I would focus on my resume and market that aspect. I would go on career-builder and search for positions in your area. You could also take a look at the job descriptions for some of these case mgt positions to tweak your resume for I am sure you have the experience in areas they may be looking for and just need to market yourself better. As someone else said, try insurance or managed care companies. Also, many of the companies, want to be sure you are computer savvy (Microsoft word, excel, power point etc..) and can work independently. You don't have to be a nurse to be a case manager, many companies have social workers employed in case mgt positions. It is not just medical, there is a lot of care coordination. Best of luck to you!