Questions

[ER_RN07]

Hello!

I am an ER RN (13 years), I have been looking to transition from ER to Case Managment. I have applied to a few insurance companies w/o success. Yesterday I came across an opening for a Care Manager @ my hospital ?! I promptly filled out and faxed a transfer request form. My question is, besides my 13 yrs clinical experience, what can I do to increase my chances of landing this job?

As CM is completely different than anything I've ever done, could you tell me what a typical day is like? Did you take a big pay cut if you went from bedside to CM?

Thanks !

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Your pay may be the same, especially if you are unionized. Even if not, you should negotiate that (yes, you can negotiate). Say that as a new CM you understand that you won't be as valuable as an experienced one yet, but tell them you would like 3-, 6-, and 9-month reviews to chart your progress in the role.

Be prepared for your interview.

Dress in the high end of business casual. Be early.

Know what system your case mgmt department uses for its reviews- Milliman, Interqual, or something else, and look it up and be familiar with the concept.

As an ER nurse you are familiar with the docs, staffs, and facilities of the whole hospital, so that's a plus; discuss your ability to facilitate services to patient benefit with decreased waste of time (and time is money as well as muscle :) ) and give an example.

Look up the local chapter of CMSA, join, and start to network. You can do that now, and tell them you have done it at your interview.

Know the criteria for taking the CCM or ANCC case management certificate examination and tell them you plan to meet those requirements to take it.