Paul R. Smith, CMC: Becoming a Registered Nurse

In 1978, Paul R. Smith, CMC, earned his bachelor of science in nursing from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He became a registered nurse due to his love of working with people. Paul Smith now owns and operates Extended Family Associates, which provides care management services to elderly and disabled patients.

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is a process which culminates in rewarding results. The first step is to earn a high school diploma. Becoming a nurse requires education beyond high school; this can be completed at an accredited nursing school. Several different RN degrees exist, including an associate degree in nursing, a bachelor of science in nursing, and a master of science in nursing. The level of education achieved will determine entry-level job prospects.

Before becoming a professional nurse, an RN license must be obtained. Requirements vary between states, but typically the next step after earning one’s degree is to pass the NCLEX-RN exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Upon successful completion of the exam, an RN license for that state will be issued.

Many people choose to become registered nurses because they enjoy working with patients and helping them become healthy. Other benefits of entering the nursing profession include job stability and a projected increase in employment opportunities over the next decade.

Paul R. Smith, CMC: Services Provided by Geriatric Care Managers

Paul R. Smith, CMC, is a registered nurse and professional geriatric care manager. Paul Smith founded the care management company Extended Family Associates (EFA) in 2007 to assist the elderly and disabled in receiving care at home. He is a member of the National Association for Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

Geriatric care managers assist families and individuals in caring for aging loved ones. They are trained in a variety of health specialties, including social work, nursing, gerontology, and psychology. Due to the breadth of their knowledge, geriatric care managers are able to evaluate, plan, coordinate, and supervise all services for elderly patients and their families.

Geriatric care managers are particularly helpful in transitional situations, such as when an elderly family member’s health is beginning to decline. Care managers can also be instrumental in resolving family or legal difficulties involving care of the elderly person. They provide caregiving services for families that live far away, or that are struggling to manage difficult conditions like dementia.

Not all care managers specialize in all areas. To find a professional care manager who will meet your needs, contact local care management agencies or experienced geriatric care managers.

Paul R. Smith, CMC: What Is Geriatric Case Management?

Paul R. Smith, CMC, discusses the details of geriatric case management services.

Geriatric case management offers assistance in locating resources, care plan development, decision making and managing stress involving the care of elderly people. Geriatric case managers are health services specialists who may be social workers, counselors, nurses, or other professionals.

Geriatric case management consists of the following elements:

1. An in-person assessment. The assessment provides the information and details necessary for the case manager to have an understanding of the client’s needs and to tailor an appropriate plan.

2. The development of a care plan. This includes specific recommendations, resources and referrals to local community options, integrating assessment results.

3. The arrangement of services. Services might include counseling, education and advocacy, housing recommendations, advising families on the power of attorney, and money management.

4. Monitoring of needs. This includes frequent reevaluations to make appropriate adjustments to improve the quality of life of the client.

Paul R. Smith, CMC, with two decades of experience as a case management professional and more than three decades of experience as a nurse, possesses a range of health care and case management expertise to provide the best services to clients.