Hospital-based CMs: how do you explain your role to patients?

[Julius Seizure]

I am just starting my job as a brand new case manager and I'm trying to learn everything I can from my new coworkers. I've noticed that both people training me have their own "spiel" that they give when introducing themselves to patients/families.

Example: My name is Julius Seizure, and I am the nurse case manager for the ICU. Case Management's job is to...."

What do you say when you introduce yourself?

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

Example: My name is Julius Seizure, and I am the nurse case manager for the ICU. Case Management's job is to...."

I would not state "A Case Manager's job is to...." because that sounds like you are talking in the third person.... I would state "My job is to ...."

Also, I would finish your sentence with why I am there at that time, how much of their time I need now, and what I will be doing for them later on (If anything). Plus, be sure to give them your contact information so they will contact you or your counterpart directly if they later have questions or issues.

[Julius Seizure]

Thanks for the response! I definitely inform the family/patient of those things as well, but usually when I said "My name is Julius and I am the nurse case manager", I am met with a blank stare.

They know what nurses, doctors, and social workers do....they don't know what I am or how I can help them and I am working on a succinct way to say the "my job is to...." part.

I just want to make it more clear and less rambly to the families/patients. :)

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

Thanks for the response! I definitely inform the family/patient of those things as well, but usually when I said "My name is Julius and I am the nurse case manager", I am met with a blank stare.

They know what nurses, doctors, and social workers do....they don't know what I am or how I can help them and I am working on a succinct way to say the "my job is to...." part.

I just want to make it more clear and less rambly to the families/patients. :)

Well, the first thing you are doing is an assessment for needs for discharge, correct? That is what I would tell them you do. If you want to tell them that you work closely with the treatment team to help them transition out of the hospital setting when the time comes, that is OK too. Later when they require DME or placement, I would let them know that I am the one making that happen. Otherwise, listing out everything that you do will likely confuse your patients and their families.

[Julius Seizure]

"Transition out of the hospital when the time comes", I like that. Thanks.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

"Transition out of the hospital when the time comes", I like that. Thanks.

Yes, I learned to say that because I had patients and families ask why I was talking about discharge when they had just arrived. :)

[BadwomanM]

What I usually do is introduce myself, then tell them that the case managers touch base with everyone that is admitted, follow their hospital stay, and evaluate for any discharge needs that might arise when they're ready to be discharged (emphasizing WHEN they're ready) . I also tell them that we like to evaluate if they already have any home services and if they have a primary care doctor, etc. then I leave a business card and write my name and number on the board in their rooms.

[Julius Seizure]

Me too! They often say, "Am I going home today??" either with excitement or panic, depending on the situation :)

[John 2018]

To Julius Seizure, MSN

You are reported regarding your illegal abuse on the allnurses forum.

You are required by the law to self-disclose your illegal abuse to the nursing board. It is the law requirement.

Regards