Foundations of Case Management: A Practical Guide for RNs Transitioning from Nurse to Case Manager

Review

The practice of case management is finally becoming recognized as essential to health care delivery. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought case management's value to light more than any other health event in recent years.The Pandemic may have permanently changed how care is delivered and the need for safe and effective care coordination and transitions has become even more important. The field of case management is expected to grow and to support that growth, instruction to foster skilled and competent case managers is essential. Deanna's course is the perfect option for the individual with no knowledge or exposure to the function of a case manager."Foundations of Case Management" is a comprehensive introduction to the world of care coordination, advocacy, and transition management that most health care professionals only observe in other clinical roles. This course will well prepare the individual to begin their journey as a case manager.Rebecca Perez, MSN RN CCMSr. Manager of Education and Strategic PartnershipsParthenon Management Group/CMSAFoundations in Case Management by Deanna Cooper Gillingham is a must read for those that want to transition from traditional nursing to case management but aren't quite sure how? This self-study book has an easy-to-understand approach that includes: Introduction to Case ManagementThe Case Management ProcessEthical Legal, and Practice StandardsPrinciples of Case Management PracticesUtilization Management ReviewCare DeliveryRehabilitationPsychosocial Concepts and Support SystemsCommunicationQuality and Outcomes MeasurementsReimbursement Methods and Managed Care PrinciplesDefinitions and AbbreviationsThe book is meant to give nurses an understanding of the practice, so they know what they are getting into before making the change. The book also helps nurses know the various settings where case managers work so they can choose the area of practice that meets their expertise.It is comprehensive without engulfing the reader with extensive details about each topic. Instead, it gently guides the reader into a discovery about case management. The book has thought provoking questions and case studies positioned along the way to help the reader self-assess their skills and competency level required for case management. I found Foundations in Case Management an encouraging pathway for those that want to transition from nursing into the rewarding field of case management as well as a vital resource for new case managers, managers, educators, and employers. Barbara Buono Kuritz B.S. RN LHCA CCMCase Manager Consultant

From the Author

It seems like not that long ago, I was transitioning from a more traditional nursing role to case management. I remember the nervousness and uncertainty I felt taking on this new role when I really didn't understand what case managers did.  I also remember reading books about case management that left me feeling more confused and uncertain. I felt like I was back in school and entered the class late. They were using terminology I didn't fully understand and discussing concepts that were foreign to me. I realized that the foundations of case management were missing. With some great mentoring, I was able to fumble my way through my first year as a case manager (thank you Tammy Blachura, Marty Pressly-Turner, Brenda El Dada, and the Lunch Bunch). It took six months before I was finally able to explain the role of a case manager. Six months! I was told this was normal. I can still remember thinking there has got to be a better way.    Fast forward years later and there still isn't a better way. I decided to create what was missing: the book I wanted when I started in this specialty. The book that would explain how to take the knowledge and skills you have acquired as a nurse to successfully transition into case management. The book that teaches what case management is and how to practice case management with excellence. Like my previous book CCM Certification Made Easy: Your Guide to Passing the Certified Case Manager Exam, this book contains no filler or fluff, just what you need to know to successfully begin working as a case manager. It is presented in a way that is easy to read and understand. In addition to learning the foundations of case management, it will serve as an indispensable resource for years to come.