LPN as Case Manager?

caliotter3 · Feb 9, 2008

It probably depends on your definition of case manager. If an LPN is the only nurse working with a client and does everything concerning the case and provides input for those functions that are beyond their scope of practice, then of course they are the case manager. They're doing the work even if they don't hold the title and don't get paid what a case manager should be paid. I've served in this function before as well as being the primary nurse doing most of the same things when there have been more than one nurse. When an RN case manager does not get involved with the case and does not sign off on anything but the LPN is doing the job description, you have an LPN case manager. There are many smaller agencies that utilize LPNs in this manner with the RN DOCS signing off on the paperwork. I'm talking about case management in home health. I would imagine it would be the same in other areas, however, I find it hard to believe that these places can't find RNs to hire for the position.

dsanto3 · Feb 9, 2008

Hello,

I heard that one insurance company was actually hiring LPN's right after graduation. I'm so confused as to which way to go when I graduate and I LOVE doing administrative type work. I'm good with organization, computers, typing. I've always worked in the corporate world and I was hoping to combine that with nursing.

I am 41 and I can't afford to go to college full time and not work so getting my BSN is a long way off (at least 8 years of full time work and part time college). Any suggestions? Thanks for your advice :confused:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2008

I work at a large skilled nursing facility in Texas that employs an LVN as the case manager.

vpmedical · Feb 12, 2008

A Certified Case Manager must be an RN. LPN's can work in a case management role like Utilization Review. An independant case manager, such as myself, must be an RN because there is no one else to develop the care plans and manage the claims.

dria · Feb 13, 2008

the insurance company i work for does hire lpns, but not really in a case management function....more in a preservice review type role....reveiwing service requests against available benefits and coverage guidelines. with the recent interest in pursuing ncqa certification for case management areas, i would be suprised if this were one of the major carriers (this is not to say that lpns cannot perform case management)

doesn't hurt to look into it, it definitely would be a good match for your skills and interests. however, if it is a "traditional" cm role, you may find as a new grad you lack the necessary clinical background.

good luck in whatever you do!

dsanto3 · Feb 13, 2008

Thanks for the input. I was wondering, the position you are speaking of...is it a entry level/low pay position? I don't know if you are in NJ or not, but I guess I was just wondering if it was under $20 an hour or over? I realize that it would not be "true case management", but it still does require the LPN. That should count for something right (tee hee hee) :lvan:

dria · Feb 13, 2008

ah geez...

let me get my foot out of my mouth so you can understand me.

this is not meant to be an rn vs lpn discussion and i apologize if i offended you...totally not the point...

and if i find out that you are messing with me....i will hunt you down...... :lol2:

here is the definition of case management, according to the ccmc @ www.ccmcertification.org:

case management is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet the client's health and human service needs. it is characterized by advocacy, communication, and resource management and promotes quality and cost-effective interventions and outcomes.

so if this is what you are expecting to do, you may be unpleasantly surprised. or i may be wrong.

am i off the hook now ???

dsanto3 · Feb 13, 2008

Oh my! I don't know what happened, but somewhere, something was misunderstood. I never took your message in a negative way at all. I was just genuinely wondering about the position for an LPN. I'm just discouraged because it seems to me all the doors are closing for me when I thought they were going to be opening as an LPN.

Unfortunately, I am finding there are less and less places interested in the LPN and I really worked hard for it. I am planning to go on for my RN, but part time and I will be working throughout so I was interested in work options. I hope I didn't come across any other way than a person truly looking for good advice.

I'm new to the forum so I apoligize if somehow what I meant to ask was taken as a RN against LPN. I read through the post again and I'm not sure which part makes you think so. I just wanted to get an idea of the pay rates for different positions that might be available. They really don't advertise it and I don't want to pursue a position that doesn't pay me enough to support my family.

Please don't hunt me down, I still have too many questions to ask from everyone LOL:)

dria · Feb 13, 2008

ah the drawbacks of the written medium...hard to tell when one's tongue is placed firmly in cheek!!!

my concern was that i had been misunderstood in my initial post, and i definitely didn't want this deteriorating into the rn vs lpn debate. imho, we all work hard to get where we are, and there is a place for all of us. even as a new grad, i found myself gravitating toward the....um....less traditional career path. i also enjoy the mixture of business and health care that case management offers....having worked with many suceessful and unsuccessful case managers...i've found either you get it or you don't....i think i've swerved waaaaay ot here....

friends, ok ??

why don't you pm me some additional info, like the company you are looking at, and the job title (if you have it.) i know the company i work for has a site that may be near you, and i also have a lot of contacts with some of the other major carriers. i might be able to get you some concrete, true information, instead of endless speculation. i'm not in jersey, i'm not an lpn, but i know "people." i'm always glad to help!!

Lucy4 · Feb 17, 2008

I have seen jobs posted for LPNs in CM department of some of the major insurance carriers - Med Mutual for one. The pay for RNs and LPNs was less than hospital positions but not bad. Hospital departments hire only RNs - at least ones I know of. Good Luck!

charna · Feb 22, 2008

Hi DSanto,

I live in NJ and work in NY as a Nurse Case Manager. I am an RN and used to work in a organization that hires LPNs as Nurse Case Managers. The case management is done telephonically. The nurse does not see her client face to face but depends on assessment completed by visiting nurses to determine what services is necessary. Although some managed care insurance organizations will hire LPNs in this capacity, I don't know of any hospitals that do. I do know that more and more organizations are hiring LPNs because of the financial advantage. The company benefits enormously. The disparity in salary betwn LPN and RN could range from 20K-40K.

The LPNs that I have worked with have been extremely competent and have several years experience in a hospital and skilled nursing facility setting. The clinical experience is invaluable.

Hopefully this has been of some assistance to you.

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