Tired of Tele- Should I go to ED or Case Management?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am at a crossroads in my nursing career. I have been working as a medsurgtele nurse for going on 8 years and more recently feeling burnt out. Feeling a lack of support from Management and surplus of what is expected of nurses. I have just interviewed for case management and emergency room positions and have been offered both. I'm pretty equally interested in both as one is an advancement of clinical skills and the other of the patient coordination learning the background of placement/insurance etc... I'm weighing pros and cons of both.

I'm not sure I am ready to give up clinical nursing yet but also with two little kids at home feel like case management may be less stressful. Seeking any suggestions thoughts, thanks.

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Dear Tired of Tele,

I hear you. Eight years of MedSurg-Tele is an accomplishment and my hat is off to you. Congrats on having 2 job offers!

If you take either job, you will initially be re-energized by the newness and learning.

You still have patient contact in both roles, but you may miss hands-on care as a Case Manager.

There is stress in both ED nursing and Case Management, and while the source is different, it's still stressful.

Assuming the ED is 12-hour shifts and the Case Management is 8-hour shifts, which would be better for your family?

Be sure and read Are You Cut Out to be an ED Nurse?

The thing is, they both are good options and neither one is a bad option. Good luck in your decision.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[fmf13]

First, let me say congrats on being offered both jobs. I will give you a little insight into Case Management to help with a little bit of Pros and Cons.

Case Management can be very stressful, but it is a love-hate relationship in that department. It is the best feeling when you see a patient who gets the care and equipment they need at home, but the other side is a family not caring for their loved one and refusing everything you attempt to try and help.

Hours: Though Case Management is technically an 8-hour job, you have to think about some of the OT that can occur. I tried really hard to leave on time, but unfortunately things pop up thoughout the day that can cause delays. A normal day was 7:30-5 for our group, but we were managing a 32 case load. It gets better with a smaller case load.

You also need to consider that some departments work weekends and holidays. Our department rotates weekends and holidays, but it is less than normal nursing rotations.

Hope this helps give some insight into Case Management. It is a tough job, but rewarding too. Good luck on your decision.