LTC Risk Manager

tyvin, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2011

If you actually think about it you have many responsibilities. Safety is huge and that includes staff and residents. I've never heard of a nurse risk manager so it sounds like perhaps you could be in for implementing care plans related to patient safety. Also you could probably lump this in with being a vocational nurse ... I would want to see a job description. I think being able to read and assess charts will be a top priority as well not to mention other things that could be grouped in with risk management.

I would also clear up any misconceptions about you being in charge of the MDS process. I mean it would be great but that's not what you signed up for and that's a whole other ball game.

As far as being able to wear street clothes I would love it. When we start going towards the more managerial type positions business attire is expected.

The concern with not knowing or not having a clear idea of what your duties are is they can load all kinds of responsibilities onto you. Get a job description and good luck.

shouldabeenabarista · Jun 5, 2011

Be VERY cautious- I took a job with a fancy title that is basically a DNS in LTC. When I got hired I was the only one who walked thru the door (should have had a clue then). It has been a horrifying last year and I am planning on leaving this week. All falls, all sores, all med errors (and if they opened up a "risk" position that means there are 100s of those) all staff who abuse patients, all patients who are abused by family, all staff who get injured, etc will be your problem/fault. I kept getting things passed off on me since my job description is very vague and there is not enough of me to go around at any one time.

BTW- if you are being offered salary...RUN RUN RUN- that is code for you will be there 24/7 putting out fires, you are expected to work 60+ hours per week, and it will be all your fault if something is ever missed because you are so exhausted.

I hate to be so negative but I am sharing my experience so that you may stay away from the nightmare I have been living. Also, the work attire is for (I can almost bet you money) so that you can #1- be the front man when State Investigators hit the door and #2- they will be using you for recruitment.

I wish you well.

Marshall1 · Jun 6, 2011

That's exactly what I'm thinking...the fact no one else applied - he advertised the position in a large city then went to smaller communities outside of the area - this is a small facility (65 beds) that usually has between 50 and 55 residents..I have no idea how long the other person was there or in the position - all I know is now it separate from nursing, they do not want anything "nurse-y" with the position and I was suppose to get an offer in writing but it hasn't arrived as yet. The rate is the same as the hospital $29 - but again, I don't know if its hourly or salary. I have had a few other job offers but they are lower pay or further distance. I have no choice but to work but I am seriously considering amping up my PRN hours and just hanging w/that until I get something that doesn't make me stop and think "hmmm" - I was so stupid as to not realize this and see the flags before..I was just so burnt out and hoping for something that will rejuvenate me in nursing..I wasn't thinking.. :uhoh3:

shouldabeenabarista · Jun 6, 2011

Don't beat yourself up over this- I have been beating myself up plenty and it doesn't help. People who have a heart and a drive to do well sometimes get into a situation where we think we can change things but the situation ends up changing us.

I got into my job and was totally blind ("optimistic") to all the red flags. I tried to change things and do my job to the best of my knowledge but I ended up being shot down by state and the company.

I know that you are in need of a stable job but no job is worth losing sleep at night, doubting yourself, getting an ulcer or other health problems, and getting blamed for everything that other people do.

Your license and your health are precious- fight to protect both.

I have faith that you will find your spot!

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jun 6, 2011

I've never heard of a Risk Manager at the facility level. Sounds a bit hinkey to me. How many incidents can they have in such a small facility that they would need a risk manager full time?

Marshall1 · Jun 6, 2011

That's exactly what I was thinking CapeCodMermaid after I left...between no one responding after the ad ran in a LARGE metroplitian city, it was run further out...I know many nurses don't want to work LTC but still, I would think there would be some interest. The facility is owned by a company and there are other facilities through my state as well as several others...supposedly they have decided this separarte position is necessary, like you though..with 50 residents average, how would there be enough incidents or education? And if there is, then that's a whole nother issue..I looked them up on the Medicare survey...noting major but not top 10 either..I have yet to receive the offer letter that was suppose to be sent. I am to be there today to orient to the facility, do paperwork..I am going..I am hoping maybe I am off base..but if not, then today will be the first and last day for me..I will stick w/PRN...I stressed all weekend about this and am bordering on a migraine. I am not like this over working...ugh. :confused:

ear · Jun 6, 2011

We had a risk manager in one of my facilities. It was a part time position, and the facility was about 115 beds.

She reviewed all incident reports, followed up with completion. She made all reports to state and ombudsman, investigated every event.

She really loved it, and it worked out well for the facility, the DON/ADON were free to deal with other things.

Good Luck, and hope you enjoy it!!

Marshall1 · Jun 6, 2011

Went to the general orientation today...the person who was in this position worked at the facility over 10 yrs (nurse) the last 5 in this position. For some reason, which I can't get, she left. I still don't have a job description but was told I would get one by mid-week though verbally I was told the position handle all complaints from family/residents/staff, provides inservice on safety issues (though there is a staff development nurse), but mostly does "a lot of auditing and reporting to corporate and the state" on wounds, falls, etc. It was again told to me I am not to wear anything "nurse like" because "they" want to make sure there is a distinct division there. I was told the person who previously did this position worked "long hours" and "was in the charts all the time." I am not interested in reviewing charts on a FT basis. The other thing, which shocked myself and the other 2 in the orientation was - no pay until after July 1! I can't go that long without income. I thought about it on the way home and though the people are nice, it's not for me..too loose of what they want and being new to this..I'm not confident enough. looks like I'm back to the hospital for a little while longer...

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Jun 6, 2011

No pay for close to a month???? Yikes.

shouldabeenabarista · Jun 7, 2011

WOW! At least they gave you some of the dirt before you signed on as an employee! It's amazing that employers think nurses have to sacrifice themselves for the corporation bottom line because we are "caring" individuals. You will not regret the decision to run, trust me.