Dear Donna,
I am a retired RN from an acute care setting, who wants a part-time nonclinical work-at-home position with an insurance company. I have basic computer skills and a working automobile. Do you have any suggestions on how to go about getting this type of job? Wants to Work from Home
Dear Wants to Work from Home,
Start making phone calls to any health insurance companies and HMOs, both large and small. Call even if the main office for one of the companies is not near you, because they may employ work-from-home nurses located throughout the country. Ask to speak to the nurse recruiter or other human resource professional. Advise them of your acute care background and that you are seeking a home-based position. Don't mention part-time right away. See what their response is and what they have available. Try to at least get into their prospective employee database if no jobs are available when you contact them. Start attending nursing career fairs in your area. Insurance companies often exhibit at these events. You'll be able to present yourself in person, which is the most powerful way to make a connection as opposed to phone or electronic communication. Read "How to get the most out of attending a career fair". Contact some nursing agencies that do nontraditional placement (other than hospital staffing). Let them know what you are looking for in a job. They often get part-time and temp positions, sometimes for insurance or related work. This a great way to gain relevant experience and get a foot in the door somewhere since agency work often turns into regular employment if that is what you are seeking. It also would be wise to attend local chapter meetings as a guest for now of related associations such as the Case Management Society of America and the American Association of Managed Care Nurses. Networking is a very effective way to find out about opportunities and get interviews. Plus, when there's something you want to do it makes sense to rub elbows with those currently doing it. Best wishes, Donna
