HOW TO BECOME A CLINICAL DOCUMENTATION INTEGRITY (CDI) NURSE

[@remotenursefern]

Hey Ferns! Thanks for hanging out. Drop any questions below :)

[@gentrybrown2032]

I saw you address this somewhat: I’m looking at a hybrid CDI/Sales role with a company. I have 9 years diverse RN experience with 6 years implementation experience. Several charting systems experience. It prefers CDI experience which I dont technically have but I meet all other requirements… Think I can just ask them to do the CDI course as a condition with hiring me? It’s an internal position. I’ve been a rockstar level employee and could be a good fit.

[@bubblesbubble5264]

Hi, Do you cover any hybrid positions like UAS assessor? Have any feedback on that? Does it get scary going into peoples homes ? Thanks

[@raphaeltrinidad9423]

Is there remote CDI opportunities to work outside of USA but still be employed by US hospitals/companies?

[@raphaeltrinidad9423]

I previously worked as a CDI for Middle East hospitals hoping to get employed by a US company/hospital remotely

[@amoljaybhaye9707]

Hi, can we work as CDI if someone is working in india as a medical coder

[@HaDealio]

Exactly what I was looking for. An actual nurse video

[@His_ChristieRose]

Thank you so much for this. Before becoming a nurse, I work for a home health company in the front office helping with billing. It was very superficial tasks, but hindsight makes me realize I loved “computer jobs”. Now, as an RN, I enjoy nursing, but want to combine the two. Sadly, I don’t want to put in up to 5 years to be a candidate. Idk what to do anymore. Thank you for sharing.

[@remotenursefern]

I'm so glad you commented! There is a lot of variability with what CDI requires and a knowledge of coding could help sub some time. I'd also check out any roles in UR/UM and quality - many of these would love your experience and I see anywhere from 1-5 years of clinical exp being req. Make sure you shout out your billing experience and specific coding knowledge in your professional summary, skills, and work experience on your resume. :)

[@angelahouston7346]

OMG! This is just what I've been looking for! I'm a Nurse Surveyor for a state agency. I have experience in medical compliance in the areas of Assisted Living, Nursing Home, Physician & Supportive Living for 23 years. I wonder could I be grand fathered in because I have ALL of the skills that you mentioned for CDI. Thank you for sharing.

[@HeatherFaucett]

I’m just about to make the transition from a circulator to a CDI nurse. I’m so excited and nervous. Your video helped and is very informative. My hospital system has career assistance intranetwork who helped me streamline a resume and get me in contact with the manager. That helped a lot! ❤

[@remotenursefern]

That’s incredible! Congratulations on transitioning to a CDI role 🎉🎉🎉

[@kilianrodriguez1706]

Hi @heatherfaucett trying to transition to CDI. Any tips? Do you work remotely?

[@kendalynvardaman9613]

What company should I check out if I've been circulating for awhile?

[@JenniferSalas-l8f]

Congrats! I have an interview tomorrow for a position! Do you like it so far?

[@HeatherFaucett]

@@JenniferSalas-l8f love it!!! It’s tough to learn at first but once you start getting it it’s easier.

[@anyflower23]

This video was very informative! I am also interested in transitioning into CDI. I completed the Apprenticeship certificate program. I haven’t had luck landing a CDI job yet but I stay hopeful! Lol

[@remotenursefern]

Thank you! We're cheering you on in your search for a CDI role!!!

[@ivettezoltzman2245]

Hi. Did you have to become a member in ACDIS in order to enroll in the CDI Apprentice program?

[@feliciadr]

Great video ❤. Very helpful. Just applied for a CDI position for AdventHealth.

[@remotenursefern]

Good luck 🤞

[@mittyd32]

Any luck??

[@RMA8159]

Currently going for HIT but I’d love to do this.

[@rndlh1996]

Thanks Nurse Fern 😊

[@miket.8289]

Could you give a little more perspective for MDs? Would they be at a disadvantage for this role? Thanks!

[@remotenursefern]

We have an MD on our team who practices in his specialty in our hospital and is our liaison with other providers in the hospital. There are also foreign MDs who work in the CDI role, it just depends on the requirements of the department and company.

[@miket.8289]

@remotenursefern very cool, thanks! You did an amazing job with the video btw

[@fmss6694]

I’ve been a nurse for 12 years in the ER. 7 years of pediatric ER and 3 years in adult ER. I’m looking for a remote job , CDI or Um. I’m just starting to apply but so far what I’ve noticed is that it is difficult to get a job unless you get some exotic this specific area.l which is a bit discouraging.

[@remotenursefern]

It is very competitive this year but still possible. Another great option is to start in an onsite role and gain experience and then pursue FT remote work or contract work. Our FB group is a great place where nurses frequently chat about this facebook.com/groups/remotenursejobs

[@jwmedispa]

Tell me how

[@donnadent-devine3726]

Can LPNs benefit from this path?

[@remotenursefern]

I haven’t seen many LPNs - the ones I have met have coding certifications. Most of the acute care hospitals are moving towards RN.

[@CloudlessWinter]

This was an amazing highly informative video! No fluff, all great knowledge. I'm very interested in CDI but wasn't sure if it was better if I try to get an AHIMA/CPC class/certification first and try my hand in coding? But I think after watching this, I will try the ACDIS apprenticeship program. Thank you and love the daily jobs!

[@remotenursefern]

Thank you! I really appreciate your kind feedback. If you do the apprenticeship you'll have to come back and let me know how it was! I had very limited options when I first got into the field and would have loved to know about the resource.

[@constancesulentic2896]

I've been an LPN for 13 years, is there any work from home jobs or certifications I can get to work from home?

[@remotenursefern]

There are LPN remote roles - we actually posted two today on our job board! www.nursefern.com

[@sabrinabess5649]

Thank you for this information 💕

[@remotenursefern]

You’re welcome!

[@daybeoliver7522]

Thanks for sharing, great information. I am an CVICU nurse with 17 years critical care and home health experience, want to make the transition but all the job postings ask either CDI experience or/and certification, but you can’t not get certified unless you have experience! How to start then ? Without taking a huge pay cut

[@mon.stitches]

Such a great video! Thank you for posting this! This sounds a little bit like what the Vatica Nurse Consultant Role. What would you say that role is?

[@remotenursefern]

I just took a fresh look at their job posting and it definitely has similar elements! Most everyone in our FB group has been chatting about the interview process but I’ll have to see if I can get more in-depth info a nurse who’s been in it. I also giggled at the line in the job posting about needing to “persist” with providers.

[@TimewithLivi]

Thank you for this information!

[@remotenursefern]

My pleasure! 🫶

[@sandrafranciamore9972]

Great video! I have 30 years of pediatric experience as a bedside nurse. I am very curious about CDI and UR. You mentioned three certification options in your video. Which one would you recommend for someone with no experience and is looking to move into this field?

[@remotenursefern]

Thanks! Check out the apprenticeship program with ACDIS or CDIP - neither require direct CDI experience. However, you may want to join the Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists group on FB to find more feedback on both those options and landing positions. Lots of direct convos about it in there.

[@nursemildred6976]

Amazing video. - I have 4 years med surg inpatient experience. (2 years current, 2 years was from 2016) - I have almost 2 years experience in UM/UR (1 yr 9 months to be exact: 7 months in appeals, 1yr 2 mo inpatient stay review) This year I plan to get my CMSRN (medsurg cert) it might help with CDI application (?) you think? And from what I gather in the video, the ACDIS CDI apprenticeship is helpful too. And am I correct in my understanding that one doesnt need any CDI experience for the CDIP cert? So maybe that is something I can work on too. Then my ultimate goal is really to land a RN CDI position mid to late 2025 or maybe 2026 🙏🙏🙏 I was thinking of getting a CCS cert but … will it really be necessary or the CDIP and ACDIS CDI apprenticeship be enough?

[@stephanieschaeffer3263]

Thank you so much for an in depth look at the role of a CDI nurse! I am currently an RN who received her CPC last year and is currently working as a coder and appeals nurse. I have worked as a CM for the past 10 years and was wondering, because I have not worked on the floor in several years if it would be difficult to obtain a position as a CDI Nurse? I was also considering taking the ACDIS but after watching your video wonder if the CDIP would be better?

[@KristenClevenger-q8k]

Hi! How difficult was it to get into coding and nurse appeals after getting your CPC? Im an RN who is looking to get my CPC but im hesitant to spend the money if im going to have a hard time getting a job afterward. Thanks!!

[@ayeshaewok4333]

Thank you for your teaching IAM RN nurse manager and teacher abidayasmin Pakistani nurse experience 17year

[@Tweetyaj12]

Does becoming CDIP certified count towards RN CEUS for renewal in SC? I can’t figure it out 😂 I’m interested in getting my CPC but I would obviously like to use my RN License for work and I can’t find any jobs that include the 2.. the next closest thing seems to be CDI nursing although it doesn’t include coding per se.. any thoughts or tips?

[@remotenursefern]

I don't know about the CEU part but CDI does involve a lot of coding although we are not the official coders. Inpatient CDI requires knowledge of ICD-10 and other coding so we are able to properly review documentation and ensure that language meets what can be translated into codes.

[@tammyhahn2964]

I have a MSN in Informatics and would love to work in CDI. How do you suggest I get into this role/ I thank you for the video ad sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@remotenursefern]

You're welcome! Local acute care hospitals are often easier to transition into, especially if you are willing to do on site for a while. There is a great group on FB called Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists that you may want to join as well.

[@nicudetailer4352]

Any luck?

[@nathaliechavez2437]

what if ive only ever worked outpatient oncology hematology nursing can i not get certified?

[@meridiny2]

Can you get a job as a clinical documentation specialist if you don't have a nursing degree? I've worked in acute care/CVICU as a physical therapist for eight years.

[@milaechevarria4141]

Quick question I'm a foreign medical physician, do I need to be RN to obtain a CDI certification?

[@jaclynscalaro2222]

Hi Nurse Fern. Do you recommened getting a med/Code Billing certification first?

[@remotenursefern]

Hey! It's not necessary and can be quite pricey. I'd start by networking with the dept at your facility to see what they look for. Some nurses have reported positive results from the apprenticeship course which is a lot more affordable than a coding cert. Many CDI nurses don't pursue a coding cert until several years into their career/if ever.

[@snelson4u]

"The position I am interviewing for is a Clinical Research Nurse role that requires sitting for the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) exam after two years. Does this role align with what you're describing here?"

[@kellynottellin4002]

From the OR but NOT from within a facility, how might I get a chance? I've got strong clinical skill from my old icu and cath lab days; no one will give me a chance. 😢😢

[@remotenursefern]

You may want to look towards CDI outpatient roles. Unfortunately, most of the acute care CDI roles want critical care bedside exp. The ACDIS website can be a good resource.

[@kellynottellin4002]

I have critical care experience, but it's not recent. Burn and STICU. Total of 14 months. Thank you for the advice.

[@ramankaura7653]

I am in Canada, do you think, Canadian RN are eligible for it? Thank you.

[@remotenursefern]

I honestly don't know if there is a similar role in Canada. I would suggest doing a search for remote roles in Canada on LinkedIn and start following companies that interest you.

[@charlotteskiles2111]

I am a RN assessment coordinator in a skilled facility. I monitor documentation. How do I fix my resume I keep getting denied. Any tips? I approve admissions for medical necessity and ensure documentation for all patients. I audit charts. I put these things in my resume but I’m not having any luck.

[@Evanjdavison]

Is it common to be able to flex your schedule to do three 12s? I know it would be company/facility specific.

[@remotenursefern]

Not for CDI but for other remote roles, yes. Telephonic triage often offers a 12 hour option.

[@Evanjdavison]

@@remotenursefern awesome, thank you!

[@detoth67]

I have 6 years experience as a psychiatric nurse. Will this handicap me looking for CDI jobs? Are there CDI psychiatric jobs? I want to make the switch but am apprehensive. Can I get a job with the apprenticeship? Would it be more advantageous to attend CDI bootcamp? Thank you.

[@simplyscrapbookswithtina8990]

Would becoming a certified professional coder help?

[@remotenursefern]

It does but it isn’t the first cert I would jump into. In the vid I think I talk about that usually being something CDI nurses sometimes get after years of experience, most do not have the cert. The apprenticeship or CDIP are the most popular for those without experience.

[@SarahSmith-df7ny]

Hey I have over 5 years of experience doing mds assessments and care plans at a health insurance company. I have also reviewed other nurses mds assessments. Do you think I have any chance of getting a cdi role? Or is it not possible without having direct patient care experience?

[@remotenursefern]

Hi Sarah! I admittedly am not as familiar with outpatient CDI roles, but it seems that this might be an area your skillset fits. Especially with coding, diagnosis, and regulatory knowledge. You may want to join the "clinical documentation integrity nurses" facebook group and see if there are any outpatient cdi nurses in there that could provide better guidance for your specific situation. I love the group and am in there myself.

[@laurenrichardson2829]

Can you do CDI without a RN license?

[@remotenursefern]

Some coders work in CDI and foreign medical grads

[@davidpaul1952]

Too much echo. Can't understand what you are saying