case manager - what can you tell me about it?

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Hi everyone,

I graduated nursing school in May 2010. I am currently working in a LTC facility (night shift). Sometimes it's okay and others i'm too overwhelmed to handle it. I was recently contacted about a case manager position at a hospice in NJ. What can you tell me about case management? What are the hours like? Can I work as a case manager as a new grad with only a few months experience? Are they usually on call times? I would prefer no on call times because it works better with my personal schedule. What goes into a typical days work as a case manager? Does it involve visiting patients in their homes? Any information is very helpful ! Thank you! :)

Specializes in hospice, home care, LTC.

Dear Thinking about Hospice case managing,

I am an experienced Hospice case manager and a certified hospice and palliative care RN. Hospice is challenging. You better know your stuff; possess expertise in pain and symptom management, remain calm and confident when families (and sometimes other healthcare professionals) are upset and overly emotional, and be willing and expertly knowledgeable enough to educate physicians and NPs who sometimes think they know-it-all. Once you have these skills you will be ready to become a Hospice nurse. Case managing is another set of skills; keeping track of TONS of documentation, following Medicare conditions of participation, using computers like an IT pro. If a company provding Hospice care is willing to take the time to train you, you take the initiative to be self-taught, and you have the "calling", you too could join the ranks of the Hopsice professionals. :nurse:

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thank you everyone ! i really appreciate all the great feedback. At this point, I guess I am just really confused. I am an RN and started working in LTC because I could not find a job in a hospital. I have been working for a few months and I have learned alot, but i am looking for somewhere else to go. Working the night shift has not been good for me, I find myself being physically sick from the stress.

I had a phone interview today for the position and the person I spoke with answered alot of questions for me. The hours are Monday through Friday 830-5. There are no on call or after hours time (they have a separate team of per diem nurses who handles that). They are aware that I am a new nurse and have only a few months experience, but still seem to be interested. I did not speak of salary or any benefits package, but could anyone tell me a little bit more about that? (I am looking for health insurance, etc.)

Basically, my case load would be about 15 patients, and I might see about 4 to 6 a day. I would use my own car to travel in the same county but would be reimbursed for miles ( I didnt ask how much, I didnt know if it was professional). I would go to the office in the morning and get report and work out which patients to see first, some might be in their homes, and others in hospices, nursing homes, etc.

It seems like a great opportunity, but I am a bit concerned. My experience is limited, so it concerns me to jump into this opportunity. I did explain this over the phone to the person I interviewed with and they were okay with it. There is an orientation period and they were very honest and said that it might take a year before I feel fully comfortable. I was concerned that I would not be able to use my nursing skills or improve on them. They explained to me that I would be using my assessment skills and pharmacological skills, which eased my mind. I'm concerned about using my own car and driving in different neighborhoods (some good, some bad) as well as going into patient homes.

Plainly speaking, I am very confused and don't know if I should accept the offer and do some more follow up interviews. I do want a more stable nursing job (night shift is not for me). the hours are great, and no on call or after hours time is great also. My concern is driving in different neighborhoods and the paperwork, assessments, etc. that come with it.

I did not ask about salary but does anyone know how much an RN case manager makes? Is it paid salary or hourly?

Sorry for the long post, but I do have alot of questions. Thank you again so very much ! I appreciate every single one of your posts !

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Rural, L&D, Postpartum.

After everything you have heard here about the necessary experience.... and they are still hot to trot for a new grad? I repeat my earlier concern: why can't they attract/keep experienced staff?

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how can i go about asking that without seeming unprofessional? I am curious about their turnover rate, but did not ask during the phone call. They said they expected a commitment from me if I were chosen for the position in order to maintain continuity with the patients, etc. The position would be full time so my best guess is that the person that was working there before either retired or left for any reason. How can I go about asking that question and getting a concrete answer?

Thank you again. I apologize for all the questions but I really don't know anyone else in the field that I can talk to (i'm the first to graduate college in my family) so i'm confused and have alot of questions. i'm so glad that everyone here is so friendly and willing to help. THANK YOU! :)

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They said they expected a commitment from me if I were chosen for the position in order to maintain continuity with the patients, etc.

I have the same concerns as Elisabeth about this company contacting you as a new grad and this is another red flag for me. Why do they feel that they need to tell you in the interview that they expect a commitment from you? Doesn't every employer "expect" a commitment from their new hires? How long do they expect you to commit for (6 months? 2 years?), and is it because they can't keep anyone in the position for an extended period of time? If they offered you the job, I don't see anything wrong with calling back and getting some of your important questions about turnover, pay, benefits answered. If they offered you the job, they should have at least told you what the pay is anyway.

I know you are desperate to get out of your current position but the better hours doesn't mean less stress or better work environment. It's a tough position to be in. I suppose you could always give this job a chance, but if you hate it and quit, you won't be able to use them as a reference in the future.

Another thought, have you tried doing a search on this company on google or even here on Allnurses to see if you can others experiences on working for this place?

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Thank you everyone. all the feedback is great and i understand everyone's point of view. I am a little hesitant because I am a new graduate. There is an orientation period and no on call (they have a separate team of per diem that does after hours and weekends). I was curious about why they are currently looking for an RN case manager, but was a little embarassed to ask.

I've done google searches and searches on allnurses.com and havent really seen any negative feedback, mostly positive. i am curious about their pay and benefits package, but did not ask, since this was not a formal interview.

another concern i have is how this will impact my future career goals. I would eventually like to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. will working in hospice as an RN case manager be a good careeer move for me?

i am very confused ! not sure what to do !

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