Case Management Focus: Be Nice to the New Kid!

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -- Over the next few weeks, kids are returning to school, and many professionals are returning from vacations and getting back to work after summer vacation.

Looking back on my work history, September was the month I started a new job. In this article, I provide some tips for those starting new jobs and how you can best adapt to your new role.

Starting a new job or a new position within the same organization can be stressful as we move into territory that is unfamiliar to us.

Nurse case managers have a variety of talents that allow them the opportunity to move into various areas. Workers' Compensation is one of those areas that case managers with general clinical and case management knowledge can transition as they advance in their careers.

Just as case management is an advanced specialty area of nursing, Workers Comp is a specialty area of case management, so additional training is needed to learn the nuances of this practice. Many organizations are willing to hire an experienced nurse who might need to gain experience in case management and will train them once onboard.

When looking for a job, ask about the orientation the company offers. Some questions to ask:

--> How long is the orientation? What does it include?
--> Will it cover information on benefits and general policies and procedures all employees need to know when joining a new company?
--> Does the company have a training program in the area of workers' Compensation? How long will it be? A good orientation program will be at least six weeks.
--> Once done with orientation, will you have a preceptor to help you get organized and learn the specific areas of your role? Will the preceptor be open to questions as you advance?

Workers Comp is State specific. Ask if you are going to handle different States. If so, how will they train you to know the rules of the various state laws? Many companies have charts that help you understand the rules in each State you work in. Also, the claims adjustor is a big help in this area.

If you must handle multiple States, ensure you have a Compact Nursing License. In the States that are not part of the Compact, you should have a separate license for those states. Having a valid license in each State is very important as your malpractice insurance could be impacted if you do not have a license for the States in which you work. To learn more about the Multistate Nursing Licensure Compact, follow this link https://www.nursecompact.com

In my experience, it takes six months to become familiar with a new job. You should do well with support from your employer, a good orientation, a preceptorship program, and clear policies and procedures. Be bold and ask questions when unsure or do not know something.

In closing, Be nice to the new kids! Rember when you were new and did not know the ropes. Being kind and supportive will help new employees adapt and be an asset to the company!

Best of luck!

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