[angel 64]

I think nurses functioning as case managers should be prepared at the BSN level. I am a student in a RN to BSN modular program and this is an assignment. How do you feel about a BSN as an entry level for case management?

[renerian]

I do not feel it is necessary. renerian

[TiddlDwink]

I agree with renerian. Social Workers can be CCMs also. It isn't like other fields of nursing in which one HAS to be a nurse. Nursing isn't even a requirement for case management.

[poki]

How do you get started on case management? Is it less pay rate than bedside nursing?

[Erin RN]

I don't think the BSN is necessary either...especially since I don't have one and I am a WC case manager..LOL. The co I work for has quite a few case managers that are vocational rehab folks as well. .... I keep thinking I should get the BSN but to this point in my career, not having it has never stopped me, and I have done quite a lot of things!!

Erin

[TMEEKEE]

I AGREE THAT A CASE MANAGER DOESN'T NEED A BSN I'VE KNOWN OF FACILITIES THAT ALOOW LPNS AS WELL AS PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT NURSES TO HAVE A CASE MANAGEMENT POSITION. CASE MANAGEMENT INVOLVES COORDINATION OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE PATIENT NOT THE CARE ITSELF.

[TMEEKEE]

I AGREE THAT A CASE MANAGER DOESN'T NEED A BSN I'VE KNOWN OF FACILITIES THAT ALLOW LPNS AS WELL AS PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT NURSES TO HAVE A CASE MANAGEMENT POSITION. CASE MANAGEMENT INVOLVES COORDINATION OF CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE PATIENT NOT THE CARE ITSELF.

[TMEEKEE]

SORRY IT POSTED TWICE.

[madmominavan]

I at one time believed that a BSN was not necessary to be a case manager. I have since had a different view point... There is a need for nurses to continue their education and learn the changes that are occuring in our health system across the nation. It is also important since many insurances and states now require a BSN and certifications. We as nurse case managers are advocates and can make a difference by being involved in organizations and as voters. Letter writing and other methods do make a difference in this world of technology is so vital.
The company I worked for as an agent to major insurances and trade union insurances across the USA required us to Have a BSN and certified; paid for training, paid for continuing education if we did not have a BSN or other degrees; Paid for ceus , arranged in office conferences with major companies, speakers, issues, nurses input and requests. We were on top of changes with IV's new devices, pharmaceuticals, cancer treaments, hyperbarics and many new procedures. We also had physicians who came and talked to us, especially surgeons, neuro and other specialties. We had conferences about and with insurances. I particularly had needs to be familiar with special needs children, cancer patients and outpatient procedures and treatments. So how does my BSN help... well it helped me network. It helped me be more versed professionally and connecting with others who had experience and information I was not aware or did not get in my courses. It prepared me to write professionally. It gave me coinfidence in handling difficult patients or non compliant patients and deal on a professional level with people who had no medical background and were dealing with benefits & othr issues for my clients. It also helpes me negotiate with employers and benefit coordinators as an advocate for my cleints and patients. I learned about the insuance industry and gained certifications in imsurances as well as finding resources for the under insurance or those without insurances, as well as nursing and case management. There are many opportunities and given the guidleines of ANA in my state particularly, the advance practice and certifications and degrees have opened the door to oppportuities. I have a balance of personal and occupational and social life, enjoy my job and the people i work for and with. I have a busy but modest life and can not ask for much more. BSN and advanced degrees have cost me alot out of pocket but ever penny has been worth it as a result. I am now an independent consultant and contractor employed by a large University consortium. I am asked to read detailsin cases and confer with a physican advisor on cases that have potential for legal action and avoid insurance costs when the fadcility or phsyician are at fault and shoudl be responsible. I manage high risk cases and children who have maxed out and parents have no resources but continue to needinterventions and care. I monitor and mage cancer and tumor patients who are seeking alternative therapies or experimental treatments and are not entitled to have insurances pay for anything more than blood work and medications that are not experiemntal. I work with the insurance heads in many states since many of patients come to our facility from all over the world for procedures and treatments. It is athakless job bvut very rewarding. I am thankful for the opprotunity I found having worked in ritical care and specialities ofr moe than 25 years. I found a niche that I would not have otherwise thought about and my continuied education brings me more opprtunities.