New HH Case Manager, Advice?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, L&D.

Hey! I’ve been a nurse for 1 year now but, have worked in healthcare for 5 years, and just accepted a job in HH as a Case Manager! I’m super exited but also very nervous about it. I was wondering if any of you had some good advice for me and any skills I may need to brush up on. My background as a RN is med-Surg/stepdown, I was there for 9 months, and I also did a few months in L&D and absolutely hated it. LOL. I also worked as a tech in the ED for 4 years. 
 

My schedule is M-F 8-4:30. I am paid hourly and they provide a fleet car for us as well as a work phone. I am also on call every 8th weekend from Friday at 4:30pm to Monday at 8am. I have a caseload of around 25-30 patients and typically see 5 patients a day. My team consists of a CNA, PT/OT, speech therapy and a social worker. I also have a LPN that can help me out with visits if I get behind. With knowing all that, what do you all recommend? How to plan my day out, supplies I need to carry, charting tips, etc. Thanks! ?

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Specializes in Peds.

Your deal sounds better than mine.

 I do not get a company car or an Lpn to help out. In fact,my company does not hire them(which is stupid) 

We also have to do 6 visits from 8am to 4:30pm. 

Personally,I do not feel I am ready for case managing. I personally believe case managers should have 1 year experience doing visits before case managing.

 

 

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Specializes in Med-Surg, L&D.

We can see up to 7 patients a day but our typical amount is 5. And if we see 7 they are simple visits, like someone who just needs labs drawn or their PICC dressing changed. And we cover a zip code so most of our patients are within a 15-20 mile radius so that doesn’t make for very long travel time. 
 

All of our RNs are labeled as case managers. Except for our on call nurses that take call during the week nights. Our LPNs kinda function like a RN that isn’t a case manager by doing some routine visits for us. So there wasn’t really an opportunity for me to just do visits and not case manage as well. But I get a 3 month long orientation so I feel like I’ll be prepared well. 

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Specializes in retired LTC.

OP - is your employer hosp-affiliated or an independent PVT company???

Sounds like they're trying to prepare well their staff in their HH positions.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, L&D.

It’s through a hospital! I interviewed there and with a private company and going with the hospital affiliated home health was a much better choice. The private company would only give me one month of orientation and I’d also have to work 12 hour shifts and be on call at least once a week.  

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I kind of thought so. As a recent pt, I've dealt with both types of home-nsg services, and the hosp affil one FAR EXCEEDED the PVT company.

I ascribe much of my home recovery course of tx to my hosp-based providers. Particularly, PT & OT. Nsg incl.

Good luck to you in your new job.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

I am totally homebound, so I receive a great deal of providers who actually make house-calls (surprising in this day & age!).

It is especially appreciated when someone calls me just as they prepare to leave their present client. Give me the assurance that I wasn't forgotten and I can sneak off to the BR fast! I had phlebotomy running late this morning, and she just left!!

Really appreciated her ph call!

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