To be honest, this new job has been nursing school all over again. I’m more than 1/2 way through my 4 month orientation.  Thank goodness I’m getting paid this time around. But the amount of medical knowledge I’ve not been using in the last decade is so apparent right now.

I love the way this job challenges my brain cells, but at the same time, by the time I hit my days off, decision fatigue is set in. I can’t even think about what I want to even eat or wear. I’m sure it will get better when it becomes second nature.

What does a Utilization Review nurse do….

We have access to a nationwide based program either InterQual or Magellan, that is shared by most hospitals and insurance providers that determine the levels of care a person admitted to either Outpatient in a Bed, emergency appropriate,  observation,  or Inpatient.  Then, depending on their level of care needs, I can classify them as acute,  intermediate, or critical care.

Usually, patients enter the hospital system through the emergency department (that is where my ER experience comes in handy) or by direct admission or surgery.

My job is reading through all available information, labs, imaging, vital signs, social workers, and doctors notes to determine the level of appropriate care and then place the appropriate status orders for the patients. This is why you need an RN license.

It’s an investigation and a game. I really enjoy it, and I am learning so much.

I would advise anyone looking into this job to be at the point of their nursing career that leaving bedside or direct patient care is not going to be missed. You need to enjoy details and reading. But you also really need years and experience in direct patient care to visualize people just by reading their charts. If that makes sense.  It’s definitely a seasoned nurse job. Im using ALL of my 33 years of experience in the medical field in this position.  Which is nice.

My guys have been great at keeping the house clean and the momma fed when I get home. I think even more challenging is the 10-hour schedule.  Leaving the house in the dark and coming home in the dark SUCKS. I realize there’s a light (haha pun intended) at the end when I get to FINALLY work from home. But WOOO, I miss the sunshine.  I forgot what hospital shifts were like. I don’t miss it. Can’t wait for spring!!

And hospital drama is insane.  Nepotism,  politics,  who’s stabbing who in the back, watch what you say, mean girls, holy crap. Can’t wait to work from home for sure now.

I’m still just trying to enjoy my free time…

Published by KaGardn1

I'm trying to live the most meaningful and intentional life possible. Minimalist, Vegetarian, Fierce protector of a full night sleep, Mother, Wife, Daughter -caretaker, Sister, Friend, Nurse. Sharing day to day life with family and friends. A quest to minimize effects of Alzheimer's Disease. View all posts by KaGardn1