some questions from a potential new case manager

[heatherwoo]

Hello everybody-

I have a few questions that I would love to ask some experienced case managers if you don't mind:specs:

I have been a L&D nurse for about 5 years and while I love what I do, I am exhausted from working nights for so long, plus all the weekends and holidays. I have 4 children that miss their moma at night.

That being said, recently a CM job came open at the small hospital I work at. I knew I didn't have the qualifications they were looking for, but I applied anyway. Good hours and a change of pace. I expected to not hear back from the supervisor, but to my surprise, I did.

I have interviewed for the job and the interview actually went quite well. I feel like she may actually offer me the job. She explained a lot more to me about CM, and I feel I understand it a bit better. I do, however, have some questions/concerns.

1) She told me the position is salaried, but it would be a lateral move for me. They would essentially take my base pay now and multiply it by 40 hours. Is this normal? This position just sounds like I would have so much more responsibility.

2) What personality traits do you feel make a person a good case manager? I want to be sure I'm a good fit for this role.

3) We are a small hospital, so I would be handling around 12-18 pts. Is this pretty normal? It would generally be population-specific. Not sure what population they would give me.

4) I should anticipate roughly a 30 day orientation, then start out slow with @2 pts. and see how it goes. Does that sound sufficient from your point of view?

5) Lastly but probably most important- probably my strongest points now are my ability to work well under pressure and to connect well with my patients, even in tragic situations. I have been known to be a "rule breaker" if its for the good of the pt . I sometimes cross the line from empathy to sympathy even after 5 years of bedside nursing. How much actual pt. contact do you have? And she mentioned that oftentimes you have to make hard, difficult decisions for pts. due to financial reasons that may not feel "right". I understand this and why it must happen, but just wondering in light of my personality traits, if I would be successful and happy in this role?

Honest feedback would be greatly appreciated. This is a huge decision that I don't take lightly. I want to make sure this is a good fit for me as well as my hospital. Anything else you care to add- please feel free.

[bummer]

Hi,

I am interviewing Thursday for a CM position. What type questions were asked during the interview? Just curious

Debbie

[springfieldrn]

I am going on two months as a Case Manager in a 100 bed hospital. The question you posed that I feel I can repsond to is the one about making difficult decisions. This has been the hardest thing for me. I see alot of uninusred folks with chronic conditions, homeless dual dx, seniors with substandard living situations among many other situations. There are times I can't fix it, change it, materialize a solution or find a miracle. Do I try very hard? Yes. Is it frustrating? Yes. Do I make a difference most of the time? Yes. Do I miss the bedside? NO.

I love being able to interact with pts, nsg, docs, facilities and families. This job is never easy or boring and I love it.

Good Luck

[Merced]

I was a Case Manager in Home Health for 7 years, & I agree with the above, & would add that you can't know ahead of time (IMHO) if the move will be "right".

Sometimes you don't know til years after what the benefits (& otherwise) were to you personally & professionally. I would make the leap, but you sound much more cautious & careful than I. :)

[d'cm]

The pay is right. The case load is lighter than norm ( most hospitals put it at 20 ideal but you end up w/ 30 everytime someone has a day off of the census goes up). Your orientation is more than sufficient. Words of warning: if your attendings are mostly or all independent of the hospital: case managers are at the point of friction between them and administration in regards to medical necessity and length of stay. It can get pretty hot if you don't play it right. Make sure of what your supervisor expects.