Are you working too many hours in a hospital, a nursing facility, or other healthcare setting and feel it’s time for a change? If you live in Louisiana and you’re a nurse, a social worker, or have a background in psychology, gerontology, or other human services field, becoming a care manager for Giving Tree might be the best career move you ever make. And if you have experience in home health or hospice, it’s an even greater advantage if you’re interested in full-time care management work.
Kim D., a Licensed Practical Nurse, made the switch almost a year ago. “I started out 20 years ago in skilled nursing home health. But I saw things change, especially over the past several years. I always felt pressed for time and was always thinking about the next thing I had to do. I just didn’t have the time I would have liked to spend with my patients.”
Kim learned about the field of care management from her own daughter, a registered nurse. “I didn’t think LPNs could do this work, and at first I was afraid of making a change. Care management is totally different. But I’m so glad I decided to try it, for so many reasons.” She made the transition from home health to care management with the close guidance and mentoring that Giving Tree provides. “Giving Tree is so thorough and easy to talk to. They were always available to answer my questions.”
Kim explained that one of the best things about being a care manager is having the time to get to know her patients and their needs and helping them make their way through the healthcare system. She assesses her clients’ physical and medical needs, social and environmental factors, and then develops recommendations for a highly individualized plan of care. In addition, she monitors services, educates family caregivers, and facilitates communication between medical providers, clients, and their family members.
“I’ve learned a lot about community resources too,” Kim stated. “I can answer my clients’ questions about state and federal programs and other assistance for people who are elderly or disabled.” Besides the extra time she can spend with clients, she has flexibility and control over her schedule. “I can space my visits out and allow for extra time when people need it. Right now, I have a caseload of fifteen people and I don’t feel bogged down like I used to.”
Care management is a growing field. The demand is especially high in Louisiana, where the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that nearly 25 percent of the state’s population will be over age 60 by the year 2030.
Asked what she would suggest to those considering this new career, Kim was emphatic. “Don’t let your fears of something new hold you back!”
Want to learn more about working for Giving Tree as a care manager? If interested please contact Brittany Fortmayer, HR Recruiter, by phone at 228-467-5900, or via e-mail at info@www.givingtreeseniorcareoptions.com. You can review our careers page on our web site at http://www.givingtreeseniorcareoptions.com/careers/
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