Trying to return to healthcare

[Kayelem]

I'm a RN who lost my left arm to amputation in '09. I was off work for 15 months while recuperating. I then began teaching medical assisting student as an adjunct instructor for a local proprietary school. This quarter there are no classes for me, so I'm seriously considering going back into healthcare. I'm not sure how to go about this, but I'm considering taking training in medical billing & coding. I think transcription might be too much for me, with just one arm. Any thoughts on nursing jobs I might be able to handle? The majority of my experience is in med-surg. My back & legs are too painful d/t arthritis to do much on my feet. Thanks for any suggestions!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Do you have the qualifications to instruct in an RN or LPN program? Some states you just need to be a licensed RN to instruct LPN, CNA, or HHA classes. Perhaps sharing your knowledge in a classroom environment would be mutually beneficial.

Do you still have an active RN license? I've noticed several hospitals in my area in search of experienced RN's & LPN's to work in the medical records & coding departments. The hospital that just discharged my grandmother apparently has an RN doing chart/coding/billing review of medicare patients to ensure accurate billing & maximum reimbursement. The jobs locally are willing to offer training leading to coding/HIMS certification to licensed nurses but require certification for non-nurse coders/records techs prior to hire. It seems the nursing experience is worth a lot to these facilities as it appears to be very successful in maximizing reimbursement potential.

(Plus aside from having to go track down paperwork or walk up to the patient floors, this is mostly a desk/administrative type job so it could be very good for you.) Have you thought about insurance companies? Many hire RN's for the claims examiner/claim review & authorization departments.

Good luck.