intothemoon

What is the new grad rate?

What is the new grad rate?

I am ready to hit the road as a travel nurse in the field of Case Management. I am working with a recruiter at American Mobile and looking at TX, AZ, and NM (compact states). Any other Case Managers care to team up on travel assignments?

Greetings [COLOR=#003366]Joe NightingMale, Clever name! I took the CCM exam today and passed. More and more employers are seeking CCM certification and BSN degree for case management positions. My hospital provides free access to the site "CE Direct" which has a whole section for case management and a section for CCM review. I concentrated on the basic concepts and principles of case management as a framework to guide how I approached each exam question. For instance, I kept in mind that for a patient with a disability, the goal is to maintain functional ability. I also reviewed areas that are foreign to me; disability, occupational health, and specific regulations. As for the financial part of case management, working as a hospital case manager certainly helped me there as I knew about DRG's, HMO's, utilization review, etc. I found the real CCM exam to be rather straight-forward and focused on the goals and process of case management; not nit-picky things like lab values and exact dollar amounts for services. Be sure to check your employer for education assistance and certification reimbursement.

I'm considering travel nursing and will not have a tax home nor do I plan to "arrange" a tax home. Are the taxes on the housing, etc provided by the agency really that bad? Will I end up owing more in taxes than the money I bring home?? I'm not looking into travel nursing for a pay raise necessarily but rather for the experience and chance to travel. THANKS!

Hey fellow students. I'm applying for the online May 2014 start date as well. Just waiting for transcripts to arrive at UTA at this point. A few years ago I enrolled and started the first part of Chamberlain's online RN-to-BSN. It was ok, heavy on the paper writing and chat room requirements. Chamberlain's full program would run $22k and I'm still hesitant about online-only type schools. Chamberlain has joined with Devry. I'm looking forward to the UTA program and being associated with the UT system. I'm in Austin, TX is anyone is nearby :-) -Kelly

I can't believe the prices go that high! The highest I've talked to so far are; Kaplan $27/28K, Phoenix $32k, and South $33k. I understand that an online program can be easier to complete and is intended for working adults - but these prices are unreasonable. There are equally accredited programs for much less. I am a nursing student, not a millionaire

funny - AND agreed!

Howdy yrmajesty3: Yes, I am currently working as a Nurse Case Manager for a contract provider of case management services to Medicaid patients. I kindof lucked into this position! My background is hospital ICU and Home Health. My employer especially liked the Home Health background because it is a community health type field. It seems the same down here in North Carolina that the hospitals are looking for Case Managers with a BSN and/or CM certification. There is a nationally recogonized CCM certification, which requires from 1-2 years of case management experience in order to take the exam. I am not familiar with the Kaplan course and so cannot offer any advice there. Case Management has been BY FAR my most enjoyed nursing position. I soon found out that bedside and hands-on nursing care was NOT for me! (bless those who do however.) I would lean more towards the BSN whatever your future job path may bring. The BSN is really the spring board into other areas of nursing; case management in general, research, management, education, etc. YES, some of the online RN to BSN programs are CRAZY expensive. With good research you can find a reasonable balance of quality and price. The advisors can also tell you about payment plans, possible financial aid, and deferment options. Please consider an advanced degree as a true investment. Many studies have shown that increased education results in increased pay, and perhaps more important, increased job security. I am confident in my ability as a nurse with an ADN degree, however the market values the BSN degree. I have also heard in the case management field that insurance company positions are like candy - good pay. However, I am sure you EARN that pay! I bounced around MANY nursing jobs during my first 2 years out of school. I think the ONE thing that will help you the most when searching for a new position or a new area is to show a steady work history. I was asked this one question several times when interviewing for my current case management position, "We see you have had several nursing jobs here recently. What can you tell us will be different about this position?" Best of Luck! Kelly

Howdy ALL, I too have been reading my eye balls out researching RN to BSN online programs. I have decided to go with the Chamberlain online program because the program is accredited by both the NLN and CCNE. During my research I looked at the TOP local universities in my area; Duke School of Nursing and UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing. The master's programs at both of these top schools specifically state they ONLY accept a BSN from a school that is NLN or CCNE accredited. I spoke with an advisor from Chamberlain this morning. I have already taken Statistics and a humanities elective while in nursing school. (I graduated from a local Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Nursing degree and passed NCLEX in 2006). Therefore, I am told I will only need to complete 11 courses through Chamberlain (the advisor stated a minimum of 10 courses must be taken through Chamberlain). The advisor stated the online RN to BSN is COMPLETELY online, can be completed in 3 semesters (which for Chamberlain = 1 calender year). The cost is hefty - estimated at $17-$20k. However Kaplan and Phoenix are almost DOUBLE that amount. There are 3 semesters; which are made up of 2 sessions per semester, and each session is made up of 8 weeks each (so a total of 48 weeks). The advisor stated the assignments are broken up into weekly pieces. So an assignment is posted Sunday night and is due the following Saturday. I like this idea because a set 'due date' will better keep me on track! When doing YOUR research PLEASE consider: * How is the program accredited. * What is the TOTAL cost (hidden fees such as books, technology fees, application fees can creep up quickly!). * and if you are completely commited to doing homework and reading for the next 1-2 years - a BSN will do you NO good if you can't complete it. BEST LUCK TO ALL! The research part of FINDING a program can be mind-numbing! Kelly

Sure HH nursing can be full time. I am full time and make much more than any hospital job I had, plus there's NO nights or weekends in HH. Being able to support an entire family though would depend on your budget and spending habits. As far as filling your productivity, you need to speak with your manager. Being new to HH, it may take awhile (couple of months) to build up to handling 25-30 visits a week. Make sure you are designated as full time and that you will get priority for patients. Our productivity is 30 visits a week and the full time nurses are dealt out patients first, then it goes to part time and per diem nurses. There are ways to make extra money in HH, such as taking call or covering extra patients. Just keep in mind its easy to burn out when you are working too much.

Lost in America, I hope youre still not lost. Any who... I recently started in home health and LOVE it! It is so different, but SO much better too. My background is NICU, yes, Babies. However the branch manager said she was impressed by my excitement and interest in the home health field, I told her I researched what home health was like and had spoken to other nurses for insight. The jobs I applied to wanted one year acute care experience, so I think you should be good. As with any job, you need to show them you are trully interested and dedicated to the position, not just another paycheck. BEST WISHES

After working in the hospital ICU's for 2 years, I am ready for a change! Ive been researching HH nursing and reading a lot on this forum, and I feel this will be a good fit for me! Plus the rates Ive been offered for the pay per visit schedule are going to come out much better than my pay in the hospital (where I HAD to work nights and frequent weekends). THANKS to all for your info and involvement on this site. Wish me luck!

You have much more experience under your belt than me, but I felt the exact same way with my first assignment. It was scary that I had signed a hard core contract and that I would be stuck at this new hospital for 13 weeks. Will I like it? Will the other nurses be nice? I think it was just the jitters of trying something so new and different. I was put in an extended stay hotel, which was kindof neat, but not really "home like". Luckily the nurses were nice and helpful. They were thankful to have an additional nurse around! Worst comes to worst, you are there for 13 weeks, about 3 months.

I also interviewed with a home health company and was given similar info. I was offered a base hourly rate for 40 hours a week while Im in training, to include computer classes, paperwork orientation, and following another HH nurse for awhile. Once you are in productivity, the office may be able to offer you work besides patient visits to make up for a low census. You may do things like chart review, continuing ed, or office help. You may even be able to help out another local office. Also, the productivity quoted was 30 points a week. A visit counts as one point, ROCs as 1.5 points, and an admit as 2 points. So a base of 6 visits per day.

I had the exact same problem when I applied for travel positions! After I had trouble getting my nurse manager to give a ref, the travel recruiter said I could use anyone in a supervisory role; charge nurse, preceptor, etc. It also helped if I very kindly approached the person and asked if they wouldn't mind giving a ref. Maybe you could even add in a personal ref to back up your prefessional ref's.

Thanks for the reply! Initially my family urged me into nursing because I am a bright student and caring person. I liked nursing school and felt I could have an impact on a persons life through a respectable career. I knew in school I didnt like med/surg floors, but haven't seemed to find an area I do like. When Im doing hands-on care with my patient alone I feel GREAT, but the rest of the time I'm very unhappy.

Ive been out of nursing school 2 years now and I have bounced between countless jobs. ICU, NICU, med/surg, home health, and different hospitals. Sometimes I feel so strongly that I REALLY dont like nursing, but its so hard to look past the flexible hours, pay, and benefits. Im depressed, anxious, a nervous wreck, now Im having physical pain from the tensions. My question: Do most nurses REALLY love their job and their patients? Or at least most of the time? Because I cant honestly say I do. PS. I have an associates degree, so I feel limited to the bedside.

Thank you for your response. However Id like to give a little more info. My background is NICU (neonatal), but the first company didnt have many NICU positions, so I almost felt pressured into taking a Telemetry position. I have NOT worked telemetry for the full one year usually required. This new position is in NICU, my actual specialty. I needed to know if I can get out of the first assignment with no penalties since I havent started yet. Thanks again!

I apologize for being so needy, but Im in a bind. I have accepted a position and signed a contract to start next Wednessday. BUT I just got an offer from another travel company for the area I REALLY want. Can I back out of the 1st contract, since I havent started the assignment yet?

Ive accepted a travel position at CJW for $25/hr nights. Is this pay in range and how is the hospital CJW? Thanks SO much!!

I've accepted my first contract on Telemetry in Richmond, VA. The pay is only $25 an hour. That's less than I made at home as a staff nurse. And I have seen that my assigned hospital pays per diem nurses WAY more and that my particular unit is posted an URGENT NEED on the hospital's website. I'm an RN too. Doesn't this seem low? How do I avoid getting ripped off?

Hi, I am about to begin my first assignment as a traveler in VA. I will be on a med/surg tele unit. I am in my early 20s and really want to get out and do/see things. Question: Are staff usually open or closed to having the traveler tag along for social events and whats the best way to blend myself in?

I have taken my first nursing job at a community hospital general ICU. I intend to move on to larger hospitals as soon as possible as there are numerous academic and trauma centers around. Question: how much experience do I need to get hired in bigger ICU's (including or excluding orientation)? And how do I go about this without upsetting my current manager and staff? Thanks.

took it monday also. i was surprised there were only 15 computers at the center and that other types of tests were going on too. anyway, got 75 questions. the 'blue screen of death' is a perfect description. well, if the computer made its mind up about me then, i guess i'm okay with it. i've been looking up answers to every question i can remember and checking for results non-stop (including right after i got home from the test center- geez!) best luck to all, and hey, somebody has got to be passing this thing! -kelly