RN Case Manager "characteristics"

aimeee, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2009

There's a long list.... strong assessment skills, ability to "connect" with a wide variety of people and yet maintain boundaries, good listening and communication skills, teaching skills, time management and organizational skills, team player, critical thinking skills, ability to prioritize what HAS to happen today and what can wait, ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound... oh, wait, sorry. Got carried away.

rnboysmom · Feb 11, 2009

Aimeee

HeeHee, I agree, sometimes the cape is just harder to see! Good listening skills, practicality and resourcefullness; the ability to remain calm (and,at times, to mask the look of shock) in stressful situations are in there too. One of the first questions I was asked on my first hospice job interview was--Are you resourceful? and Give me a situation in which you had to use the resources you had on hand to manage the situation you were in. HMMMM, four kids, no problem! One of the things that I have recognized about case managers, that I would consider excellent case managers, is the ability to recognize boundaries. Patient/nurse boundaries, work/family boundaries and priorities and their own personal boundaries of knowing when they need a personal day to recharge,a paperwork day or just admitting that they are overwhelmed and need help.

shrinky · Feb 17, 2009

Those are all necessary qualities and I would include a sense of hospice humor because sometimes we see or hear some amazing things. Patience with patients and family/friends who may be well meaning but ......... We have to laugh sometimes to prevent us from going nuts. We are always patient advocates and sometimes have to have a go at it with docs or caregivers for the comfort of our patients. Safety can also be an issue so we have to have eyes everywhere and heed our inner gut in all situations. A strong bladder is a must as well as a strong stomach and the ability to go long periods without food or drink. Mostly we have to love what we do because we cannot do it unless we do. Good luck and hope this helps.

Sharry RN · Feb 23, 2009

Also the ability to work autonomously & be a good team member at the same time.

youngheartoldhead · Feb 23, 2009

The ability to refrain from spouting off at co workers, associates, physicians and sometimes testy family members. The ability to "pick" your battles. The ability to listen to the whole story before you give advice or criticism.

It also doesn't hurt if you have the ability to paint a clear detailed picture of all problems, needs and solutions (if any) of your patients so that the office staff knows your work is much harder than theirs. (kidding)