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Lighthouses, the position was in Michigan.

Amaezingrace, I was initially interested in a TCM position and it was filled, so the FCM position was offered to me. I do think there is a big difference between the two. I think I would have liked that position better than the FCM. I'm sure each branch experience is different too :) Did you get a call back yet? Good luck!

I'm not sure if you have been offered the position yet, but wanted to share my brief experience. I recently submitted my resume/applied online on a Friday, was called on the next Monday for an interview, interviewed the next day on Tuesday and was offered a Field Case Manager position on Wednesday. I was very surprised at how fast it went. I tried it for a week and realized it was totally not for me. Orientation was scheduled for 3 weeks involving going to the local branch and then out to meet claimants in the doctor's office. In general, the management, office staff, and case managers were all very friendly and helpful. They provided a Lenova Think Pad laptop, Apple I-phone and reimbursed your cable bill for working at home. The dress code was business casual or nicer depending on doctor's office. Starting salary was $63,000-66,000/yr. I was offered the 66,000. Full time CMs manage about 23-25 cases. They pay out on the 15th and the last day of the month. They have a very easy computer system to document your billable hours. Be prepared to keep track of everything you do in order to correctly capture all of the activities you do throughout your day to have accurate billable hours. I realized it wasn't for me when my first three cases I called on ripped me a new one. I had very bad conversations with attorneys and claimants. The adjusters were very civil. My supervisor, who was training me, said that this was a rare occurrence, but to take it as a learning experience. Then when I went to the doctor's appointments with the claimants, the claimants refused to allow me to go into the exam rooms and the doctors would not talk to me after the exam/appointments. I also had to wait for up to 3 hours at certain doctor appointments, which then made me late to my next appointment. I understand that there is a lot to learn and it takes time to manage the role, but I do not want to be in a position where I am constantly fighting to meet my job requirements on a daily basis. I experienced a lot of resistance, negative receptions, and irritating struggles the entire week. Also, they don't really train you. I called adjusters, attorneys, claimants, and doctor's offices without having any idea of what I was to say or do. When I was asked for some direction, I was told to wing it and learn as I go. This felt very inappropriate for me as a new CM. Please understand this is just my opinion and experience. The CMs I talked to love their job there and most CMs have been at that location for five or more years. Congratulations and good luck if you have been offered the position! I'm sure you will like it as long as you go in with an open mind and are motivated to stand your ground. I don't think I have a strong enough personality for the position and constantly dealing with ticked off claimants and attorneys. It was an interesting experience and I'm glad I had the opportunity to see what the CM position entails. Again, Good Luck! :)

I would like to ask seasoned CMs out there about the information I was given during an interview I just had for an RN Field Case Manager position. It is salary based, but CMs have to bill 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week to be considered full time. This entails maintaining a case load of 23-25 cases. The salary for new case managers with no experience ranges between $64,000-$66,000/yr. If you exceed the required monthly billable hours you get a bonus at $33/hr for professional hours and $12/hr for misc. The example I was given was for February: I would need 160 billable hours for the month and if I billed 200 hours then I would be bonused 40hrs at $33/hr. They pay federal rate for mileage; paid out monthly. Benefits are available once 30 billable hours are met. It's a work from home position and they provide everything that is needed for the "home office" like laptop, printer/scanner, cell phone, supplies. The only drawback is that the position was posted as full time and when I interviewed they said they decided to hire two part time people instead of one full time person because it is too hard to start out full time when you are creating a caseload. They said I would reach full time status within 2-3 months. I would like to ask if this information is similar to other CM positions or if the salary is way off. It's a good pay cut from what I was making before, but I really want to get into case management. I'm concerned about part time since I have to support myself and have never worked part time in my life! I'm hoping I'll be able to get to full time status sooner than later as long as I'm staying on top of everything. Any thoughts, opinions, or words of encouragement are greatly appreciated! Thank you! (Oops, I forgot to mention it is for Workman's Comp and Catastrophic Injury).

GrnTea, thank you for commenting. The company I interviewed with is a smaller company with only 8 case managers and specializes in catastrophic auto injuries. So, we are not offered a base set of paid hours like you mentioned and no bonus structure. The more I research the various companies, I see how varied the salaries are. I did speak to two case managers at the job I'm contemplating and they said it is easy to bill enough hours to make a 40 hour work week. One of the case managers is moving out of state so I will be getting all of her cases transferred to me, so I have the potential to get some steady hours once I'm up and running. How long did it take you to feel comfortable and competent with the case management role and billing appropriately?

Thank you for your feedback MBARNBSN. I agree it's not the most secure financial option, but it has been the only offer in case management I have been able to get. I have 7 years of experience including hospital (Neuro/Spine/Ortho/Stroke/Urology/Epilepsy/Progressive Care) and home infusion. I have interviewed with multiple case management companies over the last year, but they always want more experience. I am willing to work contingent on the side for extra income to make up for potential loss of wages with the billable hours. I really want to get into case management and obtain my CCM when I have enough hours under my belt. I feel like this is my only option and I'm willing to sacrifice a set income in order to get the experience to move on and find a more secure job in case management later. Am I ridiculous to think this way? You have been in case management for many years, is it worth the sacrifice?

Can someone please explain billable hours?! I interviewed for a case management job and left the interview confused on what my pay would be. I was told I would make $35/hr and be paid biweekly per the billable hours I turned in. They said .1 = 6 minutes etc; full time case load is 15 cases billing 20-23 hours per week. How does that compare to a normal 40 hour paycheck at $35/hr? They said the opportunity to make good money is there if nurses increase their case loads above 15. I am single and need to make sure I am making enough to survive.

Thank you for the info. Unfortunately, I can't private message you because I haven't submitted the required 15 posts yet...or I definitely would! Good luck with orientation. I'm so happy for you!

Sart45 - Thanks for the post. I actually spoke with the Nursing Director at OrthoColorado about a month ago and had submitted my resume to her. She emailed me stating she had forwarded it to the hiring team. I never heard back from them. I had emailed and left some voicemail messages, but never got an answer back. I was thinking they were looking for specific Ortho experience. But, since you said they are still hiring, I will try one last follow-up attempt. Thank you!

Hi, I am a Med-Surg nurse trying to relocate from Michigan to Colorado, to be with my fiance who was transferred in January...but I can't find a job. I have 2 1/2 years of hospital experience. I've been applying since January and keep getting "rejected" or "not considered" or I'm scheduled for a phone screen and they never call. I have applied everywhere (Centura, UCH, Exempla, Poudre, Banner, KP, Denver Health). I've talked to multiple recruiters and they say they are all hiring internal candidates right now. I'm frustrated and really don't know what to do at this point. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

Adpeeka, Congrats on starting the nursing program...and yes, take a deep breath! You can do this. Mrs. A is a good instructor, I had her for pharm and for clinicals. Also, Mrs. G is a great resource for learning how to study for nursing exams (the type that always have two right answers). I tested terrible when I started the program because I wasn't answering what the question was asking. After meeting with her, my test scores increased dramatically. Just calm down a bit and take it one class at a time. I've been there and know the anxiety you are feeling. It will be challenging, but YOU CAN DO THIS! Good Luck!

Hi, Since you are in the Detroit area and going to Wayne State, "the hospital" down the street from you or a couple blocks away has many student nurse jobs available once you complete your first Med/Surg class. I worked as a Student Nurse Associate there. You don't have to be noticed or top of your class and it is great experience. Contact HR departments and ask to speak to a nurse recruiter. They should be more than happy to assist you, if not, move on to another facility. It is best to call and speak to HR departments about nursing student opportunities. There are so many out there. Good Luck!

Hi. I went to Schoolcraft...and it is a great nursing program. I graduated in May 2007. No matter where I interview or work, I always here similar comments about how great Schoocraft nurses are and how prepared and motivated we are upon graduation. We are known to have great clinical skills and for being very detailed and attentive. Yes, the program is hard...and it only gives you a foundation to build upon. It is totally different in "the real world", but Schoolcraft does prepare you well. I'd like to share a few pointers. Do the reading and study, study, study! You only cheat yourself if you don't. Respect the instructors, they aren't there to be your friends, they are there to help make you great nurses. But, the faculty are great if you need someone to talk to and there are many resources available if you simply talk to someone. Everyone wants you to be successful, you are not alone. I recommend Ms. Palmer (1st Year), Debi Venditelli (Med/Surg) and Ms. Griffin (OB) for clinicals. Definitely try to get a contingent job as a nurse tech or nurse associate in any hospital. It helps with clinicals a lot! Sorry for rambling on. I'm just happy to provide any tips that will help. Good Luck and believe in yourself!