[Nursenan0]

Hi,
I have been working as an MDS Coordinator in a LTC rehab facility for 3 years. I was "recruited" to start up a new Case Management position here 6 months ago for Medicare A skilled residents. I would like to hear anything anyone knows about a program called "Caregiver" if anyone has knowledge of this company.

Nursenan

[EGPRN]

Originally Posted by aaac

I am currently doing WC case management as well. I like the perks but get discourage regarding the cases not moving forward much due to doctors allowing the patients to run the show and the laws not helping. I also miss the ability to work 12 hours shifts if I wanted. It is hard to do 12 hours in my opinion with billing. I thought about going back to the hospital to do ICU to perhaps pursue CRNA. I am a little aprehensive about it because you get so spoiled with doing WC. How was it for you going back to the hospital? Did you regret it when you did? Also, how can you get in legal nursing? I thought of considering it as well. I am not sure how big it is because I hear they use paralegals alot instead of nurses. Any response would be helpful

I have been in CM for years, both private sector and public - am going totally idep now and have been having difficulty finding sample client contracts and fee schedules. I was doing indep work many years ago, but obtaining work thru a managed care company. NOw I'm going on my own and can't seem to get help with setting up my contracts - any resources you can recommend...anyone??
thanks -
EP

[homenurse12]

Am scheduled to take CCM in October. Any help or hints about the test or content would be appreciated!! THanks!!

Cynthia

[EGPRN]

Originally Posted by homenurse12

Am scheduled to take CCM in October. Any help or hints about the test or content would be appreciated!! THanks!!

Cynthia

Good luck with the CCM - I thought it was tough, and I had 13 years case management experience behind me. I used A CASE MANAGERS STUDY GUIDE - Maldonado and Quinn. I found that the question structure/format of the exam questions were nothing like those of the ones that I studied. What I found most helpful was the self tests from the Study guide which gave me an idea where my weaknesses were. Then I studied the content of those areas, for me it was OB and Peds. So I concentrated on clinical content in those areas....I'm sure you'll get lots of advice - Everyone tests differently and some do better than others on standardized tests. For me, I always know my content, I just don't tend to test well. And I passed my first time. Happy studying.
E>

[homenurse12]

Originally Posted by EGPRN

Good luck with the CCM - I thought it was tough, and I had 13 years case management experience behind me. I used A CASE MANAGERS STUDY GUIDE - Maldonado and Quinn. I found that the question structure/format of the exam questions were nothing like those of the ones that I studied. What I found most helpful was the self tests from the Study guide which gave me an idea where my weaknesses were. Then I studied the content of those areas, for me it was OB and Peds. So I concentrated on clinical content in those areas....I'm sure you'll get lots of advice - Everyone tests differently and some do better than others on standardized tests. For me, I always know my content, I just don't tend to test well. And I passed my first time. Happy studying.
E>

I appreciate your insight and the info. Do you have any idea where I might buy the book used. The study guide is about $100 plus shipping...ouch... Thanks again.

Cynthia

[EGPRN]

Originally Posted by homenurse12

I appreciate your insight and the info. Do you have any idea where I might buy the book used. The study guide is about $100 plus shipping...ouch... Thanks again.

Cynthia

I'll do a bit of digging and see If I can't find where the books are available...I beleive there is a site that sells used ones...i think these certification manuals are hard to find used. Check Half.com...I get a lot of books from there tho' i'm not sure if they'd have this type.
E.

[Bibeau1]

Hi I'm the director of a case management department in Mass. I've done Case management for >15 years . this is an exciting time for CM's . As changes in provider reinbursement decreases our value increases . I recently hired a Cm w/o any direct experience and she has excelled beyond my expectations . I am now looking for a ED CM . keep looking it is a great field to be in ........

[gr8rnpjt]

Have been working in managed care for 15 years. Had CCM but have been doing more UR so certification lapsed. Don't think I want to take the test again, and am considering the CPUR certification but it has never been a reqirement for any job I have ever had. I have worked in the 3 biggest managed care companies in my area (Pittsburgh) and a couple of littler ones also. I don't see a benefit to certification if I can keep getting hired for more money without it. But this area of nursing is great, having weekends and holidays off, steady daylight. I think all you really need is experience and computer skills, just IMHO.

[CeCiRN]

Worked as a case manager with an insurance company and now I case manage children who are in foster care and I love it. I haven't become certified yet but hope to in the future.

[jerseymom]

I worked as a staff nurse for 18 years, cardiac,post open heart. I then hung up my cap and went into case management...am now working WC, insurance company here in NJ. I love it but don't love the idea of trying to learn all aspects of CM for the exam! I feel like I am studying for my boards, just 25 years later! I bought the Case Management Book with the CD, 900 questions. I just keep taking the quizzes, trying to focus on my weaknesses. Medicaid and Medicare are areas I have not worked in. Those areas are really weak for me. I am studying ERISA and still don't get it. Anyone take the CCM exam this past April? Any hints, suggestions?
Thanks
Nancy