CCM

Case managers are struggling. Preliminary results from over 5,900 CCMs in our recent “Checking in With Our CCMs” survey reveal some of the burdens our case managers carry, and it’s eye-opening.
 

The future outlook for board-certified case managers is exceptional.

Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed growing appreciation for board certification, especially from employers. They don’t merely prefer case managers who are board-certified; increasingly, they require them: 44 percent of employers require the Board-Certified Case Manager (CCM®) credential, and 58 percent pay for the exam.¹

I love this time of year when the heat-weary summer sky transitions to the crisp, clear blue of fall. Fall is also one of two times a year we get to hear from the many CCMs who are renewing their credential. It’s a great time to re-engage and communicate about the changes that happen over the five years between renewal periods.

Knowledge of case management terminology and current practice are among the essential elements you’ll need to pass the Certified Case Manager® (CCM®) exam. But earning the CCM is about more than book knowledge—after all, it’s an exam based on what case managers do in daily practice.

Becoming a board-certified case manager requires you to have both the core education (which may be represented by licensure) and experience to practice case management before you even apply to take the test.

It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. Recently, I discovered my original Certified Case Manager certificate, now 25 years old. I am going to frame it along with my current CCM as a visual binding of a career with an on-going passion.

For me, board certification was a milestone, an impetus to continue to learn and develop professionally. As a Commission volunteer, supporting certification became my passion as a means to help shape the future of case management. Today, that passion fuels me as the Commission’s first chief industry relations officer.

Many moons ago I was returning from a maternity leave after the birth of my third child. I was ready for a career change and decided it was time to move from bedside nursing to Case Management at my hospital of record. I know I am not alone with the endeavor of reinventing myself as many nurses do during their careers. I had 15+ years in ICU and ER bedside nursing. In order to make a move, I knew I had to find an organization that would help me learn the ropes and continue my education as I practiced and developed.

We are all familiar with Social Media and probably use it as a great way to connect with others, get news and search career opportunities. 

But, what about using social media outlets to set yourself apart as an expert, the “go-to” person for advice and the latest news in your field?  Social media provides you a unique opportunity to become a “thought-leader” in your industry, and here is how you can take advantage of it!