[loriann]

Hi Everyone:

I've looked through some of the threads for some answers and decided to post.

I graduated with my BSN in 10/06 and currently work on a telemetry floor. I'm in my late 30's and I don't see myself wanting to be a floor nurse forever. I have a Masters in Social Work and was wondering if anyone could provide feedback or point me in a direction to start looking into becoming a CM. I really like bedside nursing, but I want to keep my options open as I become older.

Basically, any thoughts on how to use my social work background (5 years in hospital social work and another 5 in not-for-profit agencies) in combination with my RN. It seems like I would be a great candidate for an RN CM.

Thanks for any replies.

Lori

[loriann]

14 views and no responses?? Someone here must have an opinion!

[IngyRN]

CM involves d/c planning and setting up the appropriate services for your pt post hospital. The barriers to accomplishing this, many times, are social issues, ie difficult family dynamics, knowledge of community resources, pt/family coping w/new dx and decrease in pt functional abilities, etc. The combination of your clinical background as an RN with your MSW makes you the ideal CM.

Neverthesless, as a RN CM, you will not always have the time to sit and help the pt through issues that the MSW may have because you still have other responsibilities. Hence, at times you will have to step back and let the MSW handle things while you handle insurance companies, NH searches, ordering supplies, dealing with MD's/RN's...........

I think you should definitely pursue this avenue when you ready.

[Mijourney]

I agree. I think that cm may be a natural for you if you are people-oriented, compassionate and have good org skills. Sometimes in cm, the RN has to play the role of SW when there is none available. Most CMs have to help oversee the provision of some type of resource for their client. Some clients do require community resources which particularly falls within the SW realm. You would also serve as a great asset to other RN CMs with your dual background.

[SUNSFAN_RN]

I have been a hospital based RN CM for many years as well as an insurance based CM and I can tell you from my experience that the most important part of discharge planning at the hospital where I work is that the pts discharge is a safe discharge. The physician is not always aware of a pts home situation and it is my job to make sure that each discharge disposition is safe for the pt. That can make a dischagre in some cases a real challange. The best advice I can give is use common sense and make sure the discharge is a safe one.

Mark