A Day in the Life of a Nurse Case Manager
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As you know, I am a nurse. A labor and delivery nurse by training. It is my first love and always will be. But the beauty of nursing is the ability to try something new while still being a nurse. It’s almost like changing careers. As a nurse I’ve been able to be an OR nurse working in open heart surgery. I’ve been a nurse in an IVF clinic. And I’ve worked in Labor in Delivery. So when it came time once again for a change in my life, I decided to try something new: Nurse Case Management. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you have read my Random Tuesdays: Work Edition where I typically give you a day in a day of a Labor and Delivery Nurse. Well, my new job is totally different from that, so I think I’ll share my typical day as a Nurse Case Manager.7:00 am: I drop my son off at school. THIS is the best part of the day. When I worked in the hospital, I didn’t get to do this everyday.
8:00 am: I get to work. The beauty of being salaried is that I don’t have to clock in. I sign into my computer and eat my breakfast while I read my emails.
8:30 am-9:00 am: Typically, I review my case load for the day around this time. It’s almost like getting reports as a bedside nurse. I see who I’m going to call first, decide what I need to talk to them about and go from there.
9:00: go to the bathroom. I put that in because if you remember, I used to go 12 hours without doing so.
10:00 am: Finish up talking to a member who is at home on bed rest. To my surprise ( or not really) her doctor didn’t educate her that complete bed rest means that she cannot go to the grocery store and ride the cart. Bed rest means laying down. Preferably on your side. With only trips to the bathroom. Maybe that’s why she’s still spotting? Hmmmmm.
10:30 am: I think I’ll eat my mid-morning snack…
12:00 pm: Meeting number 1 of the week. The only thing I really don’t like about this job is the constant need for meetings. EVERY WEEK about the same thing. But hey, why not.
1:00 pm: LUNCH TIME! LOL. I actually leave my desk and go OUTSIDE and eat. It’s a warm day, why not????
1:30-3:00pm: Call call call. Some people answer, some don’t. I thought I would miss the patient interaction, but I still get it when I talk to members on the phone. Plus, I still get to educate. It is so rewarding to me when a member says: I didn’t know that! Makes my heart go pitter patter.
3:00 pm: Make a call to a member in the hospital. She is having preterm labor and issues with her short-term disability. It is very satisfying not only to give her support but to also help her get in contact with short term disability so she can still pay her bills while in the hospital.
4:30 pm: It’s time to go!
5:15 pm: I’m at home. Cooking dinner, laughing with my family. I love it.I honestly love almost everything about being a Case Manager. I love spreading my knowledge to members who need it. I love helping them navigate their healthcare system. I love getting to eat at the same time every day. I love getting to go to the bathroom when I want. And honestly, I love the Monday through Friday, no weekends or holidays part too! Now that I’m not beat down every night, I am really thinking about going back and getting my Masters in nursing. The wonderful thing about technology is that I can now do this online. Kaplan University is offering masters in nursing programs that would fit my lifestyle and help me advance my career. I’ve wanted to do this for a while, but finding the time when working 12 hours, weekends, holidays was not an option for me. But now, the time might be right. I can’t wait to explore the options that they have for online degrees. So if you have ever considered nursing, remember it can be a wonderful rewarding career with lots of options. You won’t be disappointed!
Whether you’re seeking further success in your current role or a new opportunity, Kaplan University can help you prepare for the exciting possibilities ahead.*
As an accredited university built on more than 75 years of experience,† Kaplan University offers a wide range of career-focused programs designed to develop the skills and knowledge leading employers seek. Our focus: to offer you the most direct educational path to achieve your goals.
Are you ready for a change? Learn more at kaplanuniversity.edu.
* Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.
† Kaplan University is regionally accredited. Please visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/about/accreditation-licensing.aspx# for additional information about institutional and programmatic accreditation.
Kudos to you I could never be a nurse I am scared of needles so it won’t work. I can’t imagine seeing the things you have seen but now you get to kick back and relax wish you could work from home. I know another RN who does almost what you do from her house.
I agree with Kita, I tried nursing school twice and twice I quit. I couldn’t get past the A&P. I think I would like nursing but the route to get there was a pain in the toche.
You know that I have the ultimate respect for nurses, you work long hard insane hours and you are the real reason why we are all alive today 🙂 I have been hospitalized way too many times and a nurse has always made my stay as pleasant as possible. I only had a few bad experiences but the good ones outshine the bad by a million!
I’m a case manager too with my masters in nursing. Great decision for a future in our profession! Best of every world. Endless possibilities. So good to see my life posted! 🙂
Wow, you really have a full day. That picture also gave me so many feels. When I was on college I was pre-med for awhile. It turned out not to be for me but I do have admiration and great respect for those who can handle it and spend their lives giving and serving others.
It sounds like you have had a nice transition that benefits your careeer and home life. I can see that you truly love being a nurse, the world needs more healthcare providers like you.
It’s always great to love what you do!! One I pray to feel the same!
I used to work in a couple different hospitals as a Unit Secretary and at one I was PRN. I floated from floor to floor and my mom wanted me to be a nurse, I couldn’t get past the blood. Therefore I became a graphic designer instead, lol. Much more my jujj. It’s great when people have a passion for their career paths and it’s obvious you do. It’s also obvious that Kaplan has more to offer than just LSAT Prep (which is what I wen there for).
It sounds like you have a great job. I missed my nurse calling, but if I was willing to go back to school, that’s what it would be for.
It sounds like you are very happy in your career. That is a rare thing, so embrace it! My friends who are nurses truly seem to enjoy their jobs, and I respect all of you because that is one job I could never do.
What an action-packed day–but sounds incredibly rewarding. So good to hear when someone is passionate about their careers. Thx for sharing!
My 10 month old had open heart surgery 2 months ago and the OR nurses that took my baby back to the OR room made me feel more comfortable about the surgery than the Resident that came out to talk to me before. Nurses are awesome!
It sounds like you have a lot to juggle throughout the day, but it still sounds like a rewarding job.
I’m so glad that you were able to find a job that you LOVE! I bet it does feel so good to be able to educate and help others.
What a busy but rewarding life!
It’s great to hear when someone loves their job. My mom is currently studying to be an RN – I wonder if she’s considered being a case manager…
Wow, you seriously have a very full day! Bless your heart for all that you do!
How great that you are able to do something you are passionate about and still get to do mommy things!!!
I am so grateful to nurses! My only direct experience is when the nurses took care of me in the hospital afte the birth of my children and they always treated me as if they were so happy to have me to take care of. The nurses helped me feel good when I was powerless and gross, I will always appreciate them.
How wonderful, loved getting a sneak peek into your day. I had no idea this profession even existed.. so this was fun! So happy you get to do more of what you love at work and with family!
Thank you for sharing this! Such an important job…and busy! I’d love to do this after my kids are all in school.
You are busy, but I can really tell that you do love that job and it shows through your words. Fantastic!
as the daughter of an alzheimers patient, i thank you for loving your job, because it helps get better care for our loved ones
Didn’t know Kaplan had so many options. I can’t do blood, or other people’s pain so nursing. Is not in my future. But happy you love your job and get to balance every thing out.
I had no idea Kaplan has so many options!
I have a few friends that are nurses. They are amazing as well as you are to be able to do such a job so selflessly.
My sister is working on becoming a nurse. She graduates in May!
Wow such a busy but important day. They do so much to help others. Thanks for sharing.
I am glad you were able to find something in the nursing field that is suitable to your schedule. I am a charge nurse at a nursing home. I do 3 12 hour shifts a week. I have a couple extra days off a week, so it works out for us. My son is just now finishing up his first semester in nursing school. One proud mom.
That’s great that Kaplan offers so many options! Love that you love your job so much and found a schedule that works for you!
I truly respect nurses to the fullest–my grandmother was one, and the hours are long, and sometimes thankless. But she did it because she cared and she loved the interaction. She said it was like doing her share to help every single day. Nursing is like teaching, only those who are you are in direct contact with truly appreciate you.
On a side note, I love how you put in the bathroom, and the lunch breaks–had me smiling because I remember there were days when you were unable to go for those.
I am very thankful for all the nurses and doctors. I know those are two jobs that I could never fulfill.
While it is certainly a busy day, it sounds like a fulfilling day. And it is great you get that family time now too.
Sounds like you have a great balance. I love what I do for a living and can not imagine hating my occupation and having to do it every day.
Hats off! This is much different from the 1st day in the life post I read here. My head is still spinning at that one.
I thank all the nurses for serving the patients. They’re really hard working people. Anyway, I’ll check Kaplan for more information. Thanks!
Congrats on the new job and stability.
My sister is a RN too who got a master’s and PhD.
Next time she come to visit Atlanta, I’d love you too to talk.
She’s found some amazing opportunities in her field – in the classroom and OR.
Sou
Sounds like you really love your career. I enjoy interacting with people who love what they do. I think it is great that you are able to be home with your family and educate at the same time. I can tell you put your all into your patients and all of them are lucky to have you.
Thank you!
Life of a nurse is really hard. I salute all of the nurses out there. You never stop helping even though you’re almost dead working.