Let's be honest

[Serrano2886]

Hi all,

I have been a nurse for 6 years. I've worked in Med/Surg float for 3 years and PACU for 3 years. I am in grad school, have 2 boys under 2, and work full time night shift. I am interviewing for a Field case management position and wanted to know the real low down on flexibility. I will be starting clinicals in May for NP so it's important I have 1 day during the week off for clinical hours.

I am very organized, efficient, and great with the administrative aspect of nursing. I just need to know what type of flexibility can I expect and if it'still worth making the change. Any input will be great!!

[shann106]

Honestly I think it would be hard to have a day off during the week. Adjusters, claimants, and employers are going to expect to be able to reach you everyday. Field requires you to go to all MD appts, you can't tell an injured worker they cannot see a physician or have a procedure on certain days. You will have appts at times that are late in the day, you may have an hour or more drive back home, and then you have a report to submit, so if you were off the next day you would have to get the report done at night. My day today ended up being 12 hours, I had apts to attend with long drives, received a new file, had a surgery that had complications, and had reports do, and had to talk with several,employers and adjusters. Field is very busy, you are on the go and trying to work from your car etc, you may be driving to an appointment and have 20 calls, not only do you have to deal with all your appts and reports but you have to document put your charges in for all those calls. You will also have to go on meet and greet type visits to employers or insurance companies that your company is trying to market. Not trying to talk you out of it, but I think it would be a very stressful change while trying to do clinicals and studying for NP.

[Serrano2886]

It seems like you're referring to workman's comp, which I won't be doing. According to my interview I'm expected to see 7 to 8 clients a week's usually in their home, nursing home, or other day center type locations.