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I am curious about the medical board: How likely are they to protect their own or to adequately penalize such behaviour? This behaviour continues because these "doctors" bring in the big bucks. As long as this society's top priority remains money- rather than what is right or ethical- we will see a blind eye turned to unethical and even illegal behaviour. It is the same reasoning behind universities having ignored and covered up evidence of rape against their (lucrative) football player(s). These people know what their society values (money) and thus know they will be protected as long as they provide it. No wonder they feel like Gods.

Hi ATRN. I am a Nurse Case Manager ( field case manager) for a large insurance company in California; 99.9% of my cases are Workers Compensation. The job is definitely not for everyone- either you love it or you hate it. I happen to love it! First the pros: No week-ends; Monday to Friday- 8 hours a day, out in the field attending MD appointments then document/bill from home. Company car (no car or insurance payments, no maintenance costs). This one is a biggie- Even when it is really busy, no one is going to die. I paid my dues on med-surg. I did it for the experience only, and hated every short-staffed minute. Staff/clinical nursing was just not for me. Lastly, I have the most amazing manager- she has my back and all of her team's back. And we are all truly a team!! Now the cons: 1) Steep learning curve 2) Very steep learning curve ( it bears repeating : ) - A lot of processes and procedures to learn. The first 6-9 months are overwhelming at times. 3) Just my observation, but I think either you have a knack for this kind of case management or you don't. It is hard for me to describe the type of personality that would be suited to this kind of position, but here are some traits that help: An eye for detail, ability to synthesize information, excellent communication skills, ability to balance the sometimes competing interests of the worker, the doctor, the adjuster, and the employer ( the employee doesn't want to work; the ER wants her/him back at work; the doctor believes that the patient has shoulder pain (13 months after surgery) and cannot lift anything ( although she is carrying a large Coach purse filled with 20 lbs of everything but the kitchen sink : )...which brings me to my next point- a sense of humor and patience are a must!! I hope this helped a little. I believe my manager may be hiring for a position in Northern CA- the Sacramento area, I think. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Thanks so much for that helpful information yzarcn- and congrats to you!!

Thanks so much, Commuter- and congrats again!! Diana

Thanks for responding, Commuter! Travelling to another city or state would be a great opportunity to combine a little work and pleasure! The trouble is finding the live in-class sessions. I have searched but have not located a site which provides a comprehensive list of instructor -led CRRN review courses... Happy New Year!

Congats, Commuter!! I am considering taking the CRRN exam again ( I took and passed it in '91 then missed the renewal ..ugh!). I have an option to take the CCM or CRRN exam. I think I would be more likely to pass the CRRN exam. I attended an in-class review course for the CA NCLEX exam and it was excellent!!I am certain it helped me pass. Are there any in-class /instructor led prep classes for CRRN exam? Thanks!

Hi LJun- Good for you! I wish you good luck. I am a Field Case manager (mostly workers compensation) in California. My company requires CCM , COHN or CRRN designation within 2 years of hire. I took the CRRN exam in 1991 and passed- but accidentally let it lapse. I had been a stroke rehabilitation nurse for years so found the medical component easy- the legislation piece- not so much : ) So I wonder: which test is easier to pass- CCM or CRRN?? Anyone out there who has recently taken one or preferably both?