[orygun]

Originally Posted by STORKRN93

I too have tried for over 1 yr to get into cm. UGH Nursing is NOT what it use to be. It use to be a one size fits all prof.

Amen to that! We always hear about how diverse nursing is and how many different opportunities there are. I have to disagree with that. I suppose there are a lot of areas to work in, but that doesn't equal opportunities. I have been trying to get out of staff nursing into something else and it is SO hard without applicable experience. But I agree with another poster and it takes the right job at the right time. I just landed my first CM position and feel SO lucky and grateful. Hang in there. It will happen eventually!

[dria]

Originally Posted by crosstanya

Doesn’t seem like I would be able to do the certification exam if I don’t have my BSN to begin with.

WRONG! WRONG!! WRONG!!!!!

A BSN is not required to sit for the CCM exam. I currently have and AAS, and just passed the exam this fall. So I can tell you for sure that isn't the case.

What my discussions with other nurses who have spoken with Kaplan have led me to believe is that they are less than forthcoming with some of the other requirements for CCM. Like the need to have 1 year working in CM with a direct supervisor who holds the CCM credential, or 2 years CM experience in the absence of a certified supervisor. The impression I'm getting is that Kaplan is leading nurses to believe they will get their certificate, take the CCM, then get a job and live happily ever after.

Where I work, that Kaplan certificate ain't worth the paper it's printed on....My recommendation would to be to put that $3600 toward your BSN and get a copy of
Mullahy's case management handbook for 50 bucks.


I'm having a little trouble getting past that....$3650...sheesh...they should be ashamed of themselves....

[crosstanya]

Are you saying I don't actually have to take the course before I can sit for the exam. If I get the book, study and then after I work the hours needed, I can just take the exam??!!
This is great to talk to other people about this stuff. I talked to the lady at Kaplan for a long time and was going to do it, if I could get into a job in CM. Now I just have to get the job. I was thinking of being a volenteer just to see if I even like it.

[dria]

That's EXACTLY what I'm saying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, let me clarify: preparing for CCM is a bit more complicated than just reading the book and working the hours....there is a lot of material to cover....
I've posted a lot recently in this forum about what I did to prepare (and pass....WAHOOO), so take a look back at those posts and let me know if you have any questions.
What I am saying is that I see absolutely no reason to spend nearly $4000 dollars on this CM course. If you've got that kind of money laying around, kindly send it to
Dria RN CCM
565.....hahahahahhahaa
you can PM me if you want

[abergrn1214]

I began doing case management while working in Occ Med for a National company. The location I was at had about 400 employee 24hours/7days manufacturing.

After about 4 years of this type of nursing, I threw my resume out on Monster and was amazed at the jobs out there in case management.

I started a new job in July of this year and love it. I have about 19 years of total nursing experience.

Love what I'm doing

[dria]

Good for you!!

Welcome to allnurses!!

[BahaMamamaRN]

Hi everyone. I start my new job on Monday as a nurse case manager. I have been working at a LTAC facility for many years. They are going to train me. So I am very excited after reading the post of how difficult it has been for some to land a position in this field without any prior experience or a BSN.

[Lucy4]

In response to the Kaplan program - is a certificate program that is another credential. I completed the program 3 years or so ago. I feel it is comprehensive and did learn alot. A program with a clinical component would of been helpful. I got reimbursed thru my hospital's tuition reimbursement program.

Anyways, I decided I wanted to be a case manager and all of the hospital based jobs in my area required a minimum of 2 years experience as well as 5 years of varied clinical nursing experience -and a BSN, which I have. I have been a nurse for 20+ years so the clinical experience was there for me. I interviewed for a position at the community hospital where I was working and didn't get the job do to lack of experience. Also a UR job where experience was preferred. Then decided to do the Kaplan program. I did find a position at the main campus of the hospital system where I worked - without any experience. Almost didn't apply as job requirement was 2-5 years CM experience. Maybe the Kaplan program gave me an edge. A few CM have been hired after me - most with CM experience and some none.

Like Dria said, don't go to an interview and and say have a desparate need to get out of staff nursing. Many applicants that interview where I work look at CM as a cushy 9 to 5, Mon-Fri job and have no idea what CMs do. For those who are looking for a position, I suggest be prepared to clearly articulate what the role of a CM is and what skills and abilities you have that would be of value to the position. My director asked me what I thought the job encompassed and why she should hire me. Check out the website www.ccmcertification.org - offers good information on roles and responsibilities and info on certification.

Good luck to those of you with new positions and those of you who are seeking a CM position!

[arak1547]

Originally Posted by STORKRN93

Thanks. Yes I have tried the ins. co. Todays interview went very well. I have a share day to do. I think I have the job. Now..... I hope I like it--- lol I should love it. They will let me know after my share day if I get an offer or not.

Nursing really stinks now a days. It is not a one hat job anymore.
I have considered getting out it. Which I never thought I would do.
Lisa

I can relate! I've been a nurse for the last 13 years and have seriously considered getting out of the profession all together. The problem is all those years of experience going to waste and starting over from scratch. I'm working on my BSN and will graduate this December. I've recently started looking for CM positions just to stay in the field. I'm hoping that the change will rekindle my passion for nursing and relieve some of the frustration i, e, burnout I get from bedside nursing.

[STORKRN93]

well, once again i did not get the CM job........... i accepted a position as an rn chart reviewer for a large co. here in MD. I really thought I had the last cm job- the rn manager- said she would love to have me... did a share day.......... thought it went great. but no go.......... oh well i hope my new job works out well.