need expert advice

[jobear]

I am a new nurse with an ADN degree. My desire to become a nure was driven by the need to want to help people. I am finding that floor nursing is not what I signed up for. Floor nursing is taxing because in my heart I am unable to deliver the care (body, mind and soul) that my patients need. There is just not enough time in the day to perform the duties that is required. Can anyone lead me down the path in a career in case management. I notice most companies want 2-3 years floor experience. I shutter at this thought; I will be a walking zombie If I have to put that much time in on a floor:o . I am thinking about case management because I can still work with people but more on a one to one bases in a indirect care role (please correct me if I am wrong, because I am a rookie). PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

[Adrena]

Hi there,

sorry to hear about your bad experiences. If you're interested in case management you should call home care agencies in your town. I think that 2 years experience is preferred but in this time of nursing shortages I personally know of new grads who are doing the job. Good Luck and Take Care. :)

[angelfire]

If you are looking for an indirect patient care role, then I do not believe you would be interested in home care. This is certainly the most direct type of patient care and requires skill and confidence as you will not have the support of other medical assistance in the home.

However, you might want to look at providing case management services for an insurance company. In this role you would assess and evaluate the plan of care for the patient, facillitate appropriate and cost effective services, and be involved directly with the patient, provider, insurance company, and the employer. This is not a clinical role, and it sounds like this is what you are looking for. You don't need two years floor experience for this generally. You might want to look at taking classes in case management. Often companies are open to hiring and training RN's for this position. Do not let the ads requiring case management experience prevent you from applying. Make sure you understand the basics of case management then apply. If you can convince the interviewer that you have a strong ability to learn, that you are motivated, and you understand the basic concepts, you can get a job. You can start on in telephonic, then branch out into on-site. Many of these jobs are based from a home office, you have some control over your hours, and the pay is fairly good. Good luck!

[RNCM]

jobear:

It might be helpful for you to attend a meeting or two of your local Case Management Society. This way, you will be able to network with others in your area that can tell you what types of experience/years in nsg/pay/etc. is likely to be. You will also be able to check on what job opportunities there are in your area. Experience required can vary greatly, depending on the setting and size of the company. Small companies may not have the ability to train you - they usually need people with CM experience.

Another thing you might want to check out is doing CM with an insurance company. Depending on what is in your area, some of the insurance companies are willing to train ....then you can write your ticket once you get some experience under your belt.

Best of luck!

[Russ Dowling]

Jobear, another area you may want to think about is Compliance. It's a hot topic right now, and there's a lot of money to be made. It's an interesting field, and nurses can contribute a lot to it. Feel free to e-mail me if you want.