New ADN Grad Case Manager

[SerenityKris]

I was offered a Case Manager position with a LTC facility that also has short term rehab patients, and I've taken it. I start training at a sister facility next week. The ED knows I'm a new grad and seems willing to work with me to teach me what needs to be learned. The DON has promised to pull me to the nursing floor enough to give me some bedside experience so I can build up my clinical skills at the same time.

Are there any books or newsletters out there that anyone would recommend to help make this learning process for Case Manager go a little more smoothly?

[anggelRN]

How about a good medical-surgical book. I don't have one to recommend-(maybe on the other specialty forums on allnurses?

I would try to work as many shifts as possible. You have steep learning curve ahead of you just be willing to learn and eat a lot of humble pie along the way.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

There are several resources. First, hook up with your local/regional Case Management Society of America chapter-- you can find their contact at the CMSA website.

Second, get the classic book, Weed and Berens, Life Care Planning and Case Management Handbook, 3rd ed. It includes some material that's more than you'll need, but there is a wealth of info on case management for different conditions and collaboration with other disciplines that you'll need to get proficient in.

Third, start getting books that address some of the patients' most common admitting diagnoses-- CVA, joint replacement, vents, SCI, whatever.

And definitely work as many floor shifts as you can, or even take a PRN float position at a general hospital if you can get one, to increase your opportunities for learning. it will indeed be a steep, steep curve.

[SerenityKris]

Thank you! I've ordered it and purchased a few other books on my Kindle. I've been reading Case Management: A Practical Guide for Education and Practice by Powell & Tahan since pretty much the day I got the job offer.

I do have an interview in a few days with the local hospital. I am hoping they may have a per diem position I can work on the weekends to get more experience with acute care.

When I was in my 3rd semester of nursing school I was diagnosed with cancer and the surgery caused adhesions that were causing me a great deal of pain during 12 hour shifts of floor nursing during my practicum. I was so afraid that I'd suffer through nursing school and not be able to handle the job physically.

When I handed my friend my resume to take to the ED where she worked I had no idea what the position was other than an RN.

I guess I kinda feel like maybe this is the bigger picture for me. It was meant to be, and I very much want to succeed.

[mystical0217]

I am reading the same book. How do you like it so far?

[SerenityKris]

Honestly, some of it is over my head. I think it would make more sense after I've been in the job for a bit.

At least I do have medical billing/coding in my background from before I went to nursing school so that does help with some of it.

[mystical0217]

Lol. So far from what I have read it's geared for the hospital case manager, but still good information.