Career trajectory as a Case Mgr

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 8, 2017

If I continue with my career in Case Management ... could I get a work-from-home option with some freedom and flexibility?

I work from home as an RN case manager for a large insurance company...

The FNP pathway personally is not for me because, though the money is great, I am turned off by the thought of seeing 30+ patients per day. In addition, the FNP market is becoming saturated in many metro areas due to the low admissions requirements of many programs.

friendlylark · Feb 9, 2017

Hi The Commuter! Yes, I think once I get more experience as a Case Manager, I would like to try to apply for a work-from-home position with a large insurance company :-) I guess I am feeling the pressure to make a decision because I am 41 years old - and I feel like ... If I do the FNP thing, I should do it soon! I'm not exactly getting any younger :-)

I just don't want to regret NOT going back to school when I had the option. Like ... am I settling?

But the thought of the lifestyle I may have if I become an FNP is a bit daunting as well! And the concerns that the market may be saturated.

I'm really just enjoying my life right now. I have stability/security - I guess it would just be nice to make a bit more money, have more prestige, be challenged at work, feel like I am helping others.

Quite honestly, I am finding Case Management rather fulfilling and challenging - and it inspires me to "take it to the next level," by considering going for my FNP.

I wish these choices weren't so muddy ... why can't they be clear! :-) I just want to know that I made the right career choices to feel confident in my skills and that I did the best work of my life in my field.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2017

I wish these choices weren't so muddy ... why can't they be clear! :-)

I know, I know...the only clear choices in life are death and taxes. Career choices can be riddled with confusion at the outset.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 9, 2017

If you can go back now and you actually want to be an FNP, then go for it. I currently work as a ANM and I continue to work PD as a Case Manager. I also have a friend/co-worker who works as an FNP in a clinic 5 days per week and as a short hour and PD Case Manager (1-2 days a week). She also owns a B&C with her family. Therefore, your career choice does not have to be either/or. You can do both and at the same time. In fact, once you get enough years and experience as a Case Manager under your belt, you can do just about any case management flexible hours and job you wish. The same can be said of working as a PD ED RN and continuing to work as a case manager if you have the time while attending school.

d'cm · Feb 12, 2017

I would wonder if as a FNP you could be or function legally as a medical director?

friendlylark · Mar 19, 2017

Hello MBARNBSN :-) Yes, I am going to do it. I am accepted for Fall to an ACNP program with Grand Canyon University, which is where I finished my BSN. I am EXCITED!!! :-)

I just honestly want to keep growing my career and taking it to the next level. It is important to me because my family never valued education. I am the only one in my family with a college degree. I had a rough time in high school (not so much with grades) but just didn't apply myself and, though I always wanted to go to college, I got married at a very young age instead.

When I told my mother that I wanted to be a nurse, she said it is a dirty career and why would I want to do that? :-) But I am so proud of where I am. I didn't become a nurse until the age of 36 ... but here I am!

I am super interested in Functional Medicine and naturopathy.

One of my favorite quotes from Downton Abbey is when Mrs. Hughes tells Daisy, "My advice, Daisy, is to go as far in life as God and luck allow."

I want to go as far in life as God and luck allow :-) I know I am a life-long learner. I feel the most alive when I am learning and growing.

And every once in a while ... I feel like I am making an impact as a nurse. It isn't every day, goodness knows it can be a thankless job. But sometimes ... SOMEDAYS ... I feel like I have made a difference.

Anne Marie

friendlylark · Apr 1, 2017

Hello TheCommuter - "Career choices can be riddled with confusion at the outset."

Truer words have never been spoken!

I am also considering an MHA program as well. I have not been a case manager very long - but I TRULY LIKE IT!

I suppose one of the biggest things I prize is FREEDOM. I love the idea of working from home - and I want to design my life to have some freedom and flexibility. I worry that as a nurse practitioner I will be stuck in a clinic.

Part of me thinks that becoming a nurse practitioner would open a world of opportunity for me - and the other part of me thinks that becoming a nurse practitioner will narrow my options and I will end up in a job with less flexibility and more stress. LOL!

Just don't know what to do ...