When I first graduated back in 2004, I wasn't sure which area or specialty I wanted to focus on. I worked for several SNF's during my first five years of nursing, where I gained a lot of valuable experience. However, I wasn't completely convinced that was the road I wanted to continue down. When I started hospice, although difficult at times, I knew I found my place in the nursing world. And though many people's beliefs do not align with the hospice philosophy, I found mine did 100%. Being able to help my patients and their families make the transition from this life to the next as easy as possible was the greatest reward; and I was really good at it! I was able to connect with people, educate them and make this troubling time just a little less troubling. No doubt, I worked very hard, but received the greatest satisfaction from my career during this time.It was at this point I made the move to Washington state and began my career on "the dark side" (so I lovingly call it) of nursing working for a Medicare Advantage Plan. While I do miss the "hands on" patient care of my hospice days, I do find this side of things less stressful and less strenuous physically. My focus has been on Prior Authorizations and Appeals; however, I have also done Utilization Management and helped pilot a post discharge outreach program to our members. Due to our company being sold to Premera, I now find myself once again looking for my next adventure in this career of mine.