How to get into CM?

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Hi all!

Wondering....what kind of experience do you need to apply to CM positions? I only worked the floor for about a year before leaving for various other positions, outpatient surgery/clinic, outpatient cardiac clinic, inpatient education....Is it just total years RN experience or is it very specific? I have about 7 years experience total. 

Also, as a hospital CM, are you up and down? I can't be tied to a chair so this is a concern for me. 

How would you compare it to bedside RN? 

Thank you!

[JustMeRN]

In my opinion clinical experience is important and outpatient experience helps. With the experience you listed you might get some bites depending how competitive the specialty is in your area. And yes, more than half your time is spent in office tasks (phone calls, chart review, chart audit, charting). Though case management is a pretty broad description, some jobs offer more active roles than others. 

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

It’s a great way to expand your practice in the long run, too. CMs know a lot about resources, insurance, care through the continuum, and services. This can be invaluable if you find you want to parlay it into something like life care planning or legal nurse consulting in a couple of years. Hook up c your local CMSA, too, and attend conferences. Lots of good stuff there.