Ode to Case Managers

An ode to the case managers that we may never see. An ode to the case managers that we may never be. An ode to the case managers that save my neck. An ode to the case managers- Oh what the heck. An ode to the case managers both near and far. An ode to the case managers wherever you are! Nurses Announcements Archive Article

Ode to Case Managers

This is in appreciation to all of the case managers out there. Many strengthen the interdisciplinary bonds in ways that other specialties may not. These are the unsung heroes. The ones who facilitate improved care coordination for our clients across the spectrum. The ones who may not receive recognition for their myriad of client saves. The case manager often is the go-to person at a facility although they may never deserve recognition for this.

How often is social work credited for many of the accomplishments of case managers? I recently saw an order for a social work consult for discharge planning. Let's be realistic, that work will be done by the case manager who is likely a nurse.

I often think that the public's perspective of the role of a case manager in general is as follows:

A case manager is a type of job

They manage cases they say

So many types of cases

Each to be managed in its own way

A case of half thawed chicken

Well, to the freezer that gets sent

A case of insubordinance

Gets a fine for causing an argument

Bookcase is where you put your books

When they're through being read

Pillowcases belong as the covers

Of the pillows by your head

The case of the missing shoes

As every mom just knows

Is meant to keep her at wits end

'Look mom-there the school bus goes'

With upper case and lower case

And middle case who knows

Just in which direction

The word is meant to go

I do not understand

Why case managers have schooling

I'm also a case manager,

Ten times over

Who are they fooling?

I would like to give a shout out to all of the case managers out there and recognize their awesomeness. You are the backbone to all of us nurses. You are the ones that help my under insured clients get the care that they need. You are the ones that gets my COPD client services that can prevent readmission. You are the ones who improve my clients' quality of lives while at the same time helping my facility avoid readmission that prevents reimbursement. You are the one who must understand not only nursing issues, but also the roles of the full spectrum of care. You are the one who must have an equally firm grasp of clinical concepts as well as policy.

And even more importantly, you often go to work in real clothes. You need to get dressed for your job! No scrubs for you. You don't have the luxury of a bun or sneakers. Yet you may work in positons that require extensive field work and client visits in unusual settings.

So when we are thinking about all of our colleagues who have saved us in the past year, let's all send out a shout of gratitude to our Case Managers. For although we may not see them, they are an integral component of our team!

Those cases that their managing? They're our clients; they're our family members; they're ourselves.

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A&Ox6

About A&Ox6, MSN, RN

A&Ox6 is a newly licensed registered nurse. She is also a full-time student, job searcher, and writer. She particularly enjoys creative writing that helps the public learn about the role of nurses and other health issues

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

THANKS!!! This is very much appreciated going into another year in a few hours working as Nurse Case Manager (I work tonight). :) Happy New Year!

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Specializes in CCM, PHN.

Thanks. We never get the glamour or the glory! We are the secret glue that holds the whole mess together. Barely together sometimes, but together! Hahahaa! And we bust our butts as much (sometimes more) than floor nurses. Thanks so much for the appreciation.

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Developmental Pediatrics/Research/psych.

This was partially prompted by a discussion with a friend who wanted to know why case managers didn't want to "therapize" her. Weren't they social workers?

Thanks to all!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Very good and clever. Thank you. :)

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Case Management chose me after countless emailed resumes and rejection letters for RN floor positions. I was doing home care for a mom and pop company. The company was bought by a very large company and I soon found myself doing care management due to a shortage of nurses. It was a very tough job and I only had a case load of a few private pay clients. (It was all I could handle.) I was then rescued by the Manager of Case Management for one of the hospitals in the area. She complimented me on how I took care of the family of one of my patients who was dying and asked if a future in Case management would interest m? I thought, sure why not...my current job had taken on a totally different description and the "big" company that I was working for changed everything that the "mom and pop" company stood for...needless to say, It was time for me to go!!!! I had no clue what case managers did in the hospital, I was fresh out of nursing school with "no" real nursing experience. Fast forward to today....Case Managers are indeed, THE GLUE!!! If only patients knew what it took to get them discharged home safely. If the underinsured only appreciated getting $400-$500 for free.... Or how we coordinated services at their home to prevent readmission due to something preventable. I once told the hospital president, "If the patients had any clue what it took to get them out of the door, it would absolutely SCARE them."

SN: I really enjoyed my time as a RNCM, unfortunately, I had to relocate due to my husband's job and CM positions here want more experience than I have.:grumpy:

Thanks for the shout out!!!:)

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Specializes in Pediatrics/Developmental Pediatrics/Research/psych.

Thanks all for your input. You guys are AWESOME

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