Career Change

Published

I have been an RN (associate degree) for 26 years on an inpatient medical/surgical unit @ a rural hospital which has given me the opportunity to perform various tasks that large hospital nurses may not experience. We perform chart & pain audits, complete patient med rec's on admission, care for hospice /outpatient patients, assist in the ED, perform EKG's & monitor patient telemetry. I love nursing but no longer feel challenged. I would rather transition into a work from home career reviewing medical records, claims review etc. I've noticed that the majority of case management jobs require a bachelor's degree & DRG coding /medical  billing experience which I do not have. I'd appreciate advice on how to begin my job in case management. Should I enroll in a DRG coding & medical billing program? Does my years of experience as an RN pose an advantage for me?  Any advice would be appreciated. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Are there inpatient case management positions in your hospital? I know that most of the people I know that work from home in that area started in the inpatient setting. That would give you experience with other aspects of the job and maybe help transition into a work from home opportunity. Good luck. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

Just keep looking. It took me 2 years to find the right one. I had been searching for a long time for a work from home looking at case management, informatics, etc. but mostly what I found required previous experience in all of that.  but I just started applying anyway and got  a lot of rejections because of my lack of experience in that area but finally got a few interviews and offers. And I start my new job tomorrow.  The work from home space for nurses is exploding and I would also say don't sell yourself short to these companies. Bedside experience provides us with skills that can easily translate into another area and make them see that in your resume and during your interview. 

Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for your response. It is reassuring that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion