Need advice- new grad program/floor position or case management?

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Specializes in RN.

Hi all, I’m in need of some advice. I’m a new grad but have not yet started working on a floor since I have been applying to new grad programs but have had no luck. Now, I have an opportunity to interview for a case management position. Should I start my career with case management? Will it be really hard to get a floor position later if I get the case management position? I kind of feel like a lot of nurses eventually tire of being on the floor and maybe this is a good opportunity to “skip ahead” to a position off the floor. But, I feel I might miss out on getting that 1 year experience which seems so essential in a nursing career. In addition, if I get the case management position should I stop looking for new grad programs? I know it’s a lot to ask but any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. 

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Interview, but I don't know of many case management positions that hire without experience. Who knows? But here's a little secret: floor experience is not what it's cracked up to be, many threads on here with experienced nurses looking to get away from the floor. If you get the chance, take it, unless you need the experience for a specific role in the future, like CRNA or some NP or educator roles

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Specializes in Physiology, CM, consulting, nsg edu, LNC, COB.

There’s case management and what some hospitals CALL “case mgmt “ but is really only discharge planning.

Case management is defined as influencing the course of medical and other care delivery to make it timely and cost effective.

I have been a certified case manager (CCM) for >25 years, starting after many years of broad experience with inpatient and outpatient care, insurance, and others.

I cannot imagine any real case mgmt unit hiring a new grad with zero nursing/healthcare experience. This would be a poor choice for you as it would require knowledge and skills you haven’t had a chance to learn. It’s great work in the right place, but you’re just not ready for it yet.

Discharge planning is easier, because your options are usually constrained and you’ll get to know them fairly easily.

Be sure to ask. The question you want to know is, “Does this position meet the criteria for the CCM exam?” Discharge planning doesn’t. It might be a first small step to case mgmt eventually, though. 

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Specializes in RN.

Thank you so much for your insight. I interviewed and you were both right; I was told the interview would be for a case management position but when it came time to interview with the CNO he was surprised I was going for that position with no experience. I was given wrong info (how embarrassing). But it is a smaller hospital and there were other positions available on the floor for a new grad. I started the process with HR but am now a little iffy about working there because of the ineffective communication, although it would be a good place to start given how hard it is to get into a new grad program in SoCal right now. 

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Specializes in Dialysis.
1 hour ago, Hopefull said:

Thank you so much for your insight. I interviewed and you were both right; I was told the interview would be for a case management position but when it came time to interview with the CNO he was surprised I was going for that position with no experience. I was given wrong info (how embarrassing). But it is a smaller hospital and there were other positions available on the floor for a new grad. I started the process with HR but am now a little iffy about working there because of the ineffective communication, although it would be a good place to start given how hard it is to get into a new grad program in SoCal right now. 

Take a new grad position if offered. Things happen, at least it was caught before it went too far

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On 7/27/2021 at 8:16 PM, Hopefull said:

I started the process with HR but am now a little iffy about working there because of the ineffective communication

As important as communication is, this particular example isn't worth holding it against anyone/being too concerned. As a minor snafu it doesn't fall into the red flag category.

Good luck with your job search!

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I'm glad you asked this because I was considering applying for a case management position as a new nurse. Good luck to you... good luck to us!

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