Can FNPs work in case management?

[correr82]

Hi Everyone,

I have been looking around this blog for a while and have yet to clarify my question...please point me in the right direction if there is already a blog on this.

I am interested in case management and working with patients in longer term care (i.e. oncology) and do not want to limit myself to the primary care office. Overall I am interested in a lower acuity role so I thought the FNP would be the best specialty for me since its the most general, but I keep reading that the ACNPs are preferred in the hospital setting. Could someone let me know what the best degree might be for this?

I am not an RN, but have been in the healthcare field for a while and am applying to grad school to be an NP. I am most interested in the holistic aspect of nursing, mind-body medicine (like MGHs program), developing a relationship with the patient, and the idea of integrative/interdisciplinary care.

Since I havent done clinicals, I find it hard to choose a specialty. Some schools let you choose after but other schools I have to decide up front. At this point I know I do not see myself in any of the ICUs/ED (maybe this will change since the cardio system is so cool!).Ive also been told by some nurses that FNPs are not always as respected as a more specialized path (jack of all trades, master in none). I tend to see a big picture and so am generally less drawn to specialties.

Also, my professional experience is in managing various public health pediatric programs (primary & emergency care/injury prevention) so I wasnt sure how it would look to the schools if I am applying for all adult certs.

At this point I think FNP is the best for me but I have limited knowledge as to the actual scope of work outside of primary care settings, such as their role in case management (if its even an option).

Thanks for the input!!

[BostonRN13]

It would probably be worthwhile to contact a case manager or two and ask about their educational background. To me, FNP doesn't sound like the most direct route. Good luck..

[lv2learn]

Hi there,

I'm a Case Manager and have been for about 15 years. An FNP is NOT the way to go. You definitely will need a BSN and an MSN in leadership is becoming more favorable these days. A CCM, which is a case management certification, is highly desired, as well. I would not waste time on the FNP, it's not relevant. I, on the other hand, am applying for FNP because I've grown tired of case management. Haha. Best wishes! :)

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

Agree with the above two responses. Case managers need well-rounded nursing experience that you will not get in a FNP program. Not only is it not a direct route, it is totally a different route.

[jcol1460]

How would a bsn and msw (masters social work) fare in the case management arena? That's my initial thought of career path. I already have the msw and starting the road to bsn. Of course, I'm completely open to the fact that I may fall in love with another area of nursing and not pursue the original plan of case manager.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

How would a bsn and msw (masters social work) fare in the case management arena? That's my initial thought of career path. I already have the msw and starting the road to bsn. Of course, I'm completely open to the fact that I may fall in love with another area of nursing and not pursue the original plan of case manager.

BSN+MSW sounds like a great mix for CM. You might try posing this question in the Case Management forum for best response.

[jcol1460]

I posted this question in another area and it was suggested to post it here as well.

How would a bsn and msw (masters social work) fare in the case management arena? That's my initial thought of career path. I already have the msw and starting the road to bsn. Of course, I'm completely open to the fact that I may fall in love with another area of nursing and not pursue the original plan of case manager.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Your case management work would likely be more social work than nursing unless/until you get a good several years of clinical nursing experience under your belt first. You can get a CCM with either (see the requirements on the CCMC page).

See what nursing gives you before you decide-- that's a good decision!

[d'cm]

BSN MSW combination should be a slam dunk for a CM position. Just make sure they pay you on the RN scale not the SW.

[jcol1460]

Just make sure they pay you on the RN scale not the SW.

Ain't that the truth! Boy, if I knew then what I know now, I probably would have gone into nursing to begin with....ahhhh hindsight is wonderful ?. Although I can't say that I haven't enjoyed my profession and learned a lot along the way.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

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