Dear Cindy – Not Quite a New Nurse Coder

I have been an RN for 30 years and just happened to be in the right place and the right time when cost containment (as it was known then) was a new baby. I have worked as a utilization review nurse, case manager, and auditor of Medicare, Medicaid, and regular business claims for at least two major insurance companies for 10 to 12 of those years. Before the end of 2007, I took and passed the AAPC exam. I am classified as an apprentice, because I have no recent (within the past 10 years) experience. I took the exam mainly because I saw that companies are now requiring certification. However, I didn't take any formal training or prep for the exam, nor did I study. I signed up for it at the last minute, borrowed the manuals, read the info in them, and went at it. I can't afford to start another entry-level position at my age. Do you have any suggestions for pursuing a nurse coder position?

Sincerely,

Not Really New

First, a warning: If you've found that certification is what employers now want, I wouldn't advertise that I hadn't studied for the exam (even though I had succeeded in obtaining the credential), because there are two interpretations an employer could have, one positive and one not. That is, an employer may be impressed and interpret the situation as a sign that you're current and knowledgeable despite having been out of the field for a decade, or an employer may think that you didn't take the exam or idea of a professional credential seriously, and therefore don't take the job or their requirements seriously.

As for suggestions, I have just two. One, take advantage of your vast experience and network. When people you know will recommend you for a position, it often allows you to be considered for positions for which you don't, or simply don't officially/formally/technically qualify. And if any of your former employers still work in the field, they could give you a written reference that you could include with your cover letter and résumé saying something about how great you were when you worked together, and how after speaking to you recently, it's clear that your knowledge is current and they'd certainly recommend you for a job today. Second, if it's the newness of the credential that is holding you back, it would probably be best for you, in your cover letter, to stress all of your relevant experience and transferrable skills before mentioning that you hold the apprentice-level credential. Essentially, you'll have wowed them with your background, and caught them with your lure, before delivering the technicality of the credential being currently at the apprentice status. This could help land an interview, at which you could sell yourself further.

Good luck!