dgj74

I've worked in 2 DM positions. In the first, it was telephonic DM with very little CM duties. In my current position, I'm doing more CM than DM. The managed care company we're contracted with expects more DM, as they have their own CM department. I don't mind doing the DM, I love to teach and coach patients. But, my CM duties are more time consuming and often take priority. We conduct monthly field assessments on our patient caseload (100-150). I feel that it may be more beneficial to the patients to have CM nurses and DM nurses; adding DM for those who are frequent flyers. Sorry, I'm rambling a bit, but I feel pulled in two different directions and pray that my patients aren't paying the ultimate price.

I'll send you the links. I'm currently doing disease management. As far as the liking it part, let's just say my resume is getting a workout.

I have been in Nashville for 9 months now and love it! Wish I'd moved sooner. I live in the Antioch area, near Percy Priest Lake. Very nice area, with lots of mature professionals. I'm currently renting a 3bdrm/2bth townhome for $995/month. There is a nice pond in the neighborhood and the townhouse sits on the golf course. I'm looking to purchase a house and have found that I have many decent options for about $150,000; even some newly constructed houses. I wish you luck. If you need a tour guide let me know--we can get lost together!! Demetria, RN, BSN

Hi. I'm in the Nashville area and interested in the same area of nursing. I would love to share info/resources. Demetria, RN, BSN

Thank for your responses. I'm still waiting to hear from the facilities. One interviewer said that she felt that I wouldn't be happy long, and that once I was trained I would be overqualified. She feels that my career ambitions long term would not make me a good candidate. The other offered a position as treatment nurse and said that I would most likely be promoted in a couple of months. What do you all think?

I'm looking to make a change and get away from the hospital scene. I have applied for and will interview for positions at some LTC/SNFs. Some of the positions I'm being considered for are assistant DON, MDS coordinator, unit manager. I was told that it was not necessary to have LTC experience for these positions. I'm a RN of over 4 years with oncology, telemetry, icu, home health experience. I also taught allied health courses for 2 years. Are there any other RNs who went into LTC management w/o LTC experience? Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Well, I sit here after being cancelled again on yesterday. Last week I was also cancelled for the days they "begged" me to work. Last week (Friday), I gave my availability. They said it was cleared with the hospital. I go in Monday morning and the staffing assistant asked what I was doing there, that I was NOT on the schedule. As a matter of fact, I was not on the schedule at all for the week. Fortunately for me they had a call-in so I had the chance to work. I'm not saying that all agencies are like this; I'm just sharing my experiences. It would be different if this was a second job, but this is my main source of income for the moment. On next Monday I will be in orientation for a perm position at a local hospital. Career-wise, I'm moving backwards a little, but maybe this will be the step to propel me forward. Pray for me. Demetria

I'm new to agency nursing as well. I'm sitting here after beeing cancelled for today. I was called and cancelled yesterday, but the hospital had a call in, so they called me to come work. It took a while to get my first shift. I've registered with at least 3 agencies and can't seem to get past orientation. They have my availability. With one agency, they told me I could work the weekend following my facility orientation. I went through a lot of trouble arranging for a babysitter, only to find out that the facility does not allow "floor" orientation on the weekends. I thought the agency approach would be good for me since I have a 2-year old and in grad school. So far, I've found out that the income is unreliable and the shift unpredictable. I know I'm rambling, but I am very frustrated at this point.

Thanks for the responses. As for my specialty, it was SICU. But I've been out of the hospital and teaching for 2 years. So, most agencies will only place me in med/surg; which is ok with me. I'm just trying to work, raise my child (2 years old), and work in my grad degree. What ever happened to the 8-hour shift?

I am a single mother and running out of options at this time. I need to get to work ASAP, but having a hard time finding a hospital locally that does not conflict with daycare hours. Most hospitals have gone to 12-hour (7-7)scheduling, the day care closes at 6. Are there any nurses traveling with pre-school children? Are there any agencies that will go as far as assisting with child care affiliated with their client hospitals? Please advise. Thank you.