What does a Nurse Case Manager do?
Published 3 min read
A nurse case manager is a registered nurse who provides care and coordination for patients with chronic or complex health conditions. The nurse case manager works with the patient and their family to develop a plan of care that meets the patient's needs and ensures that they receive the appropriate services. The nurse case manager also works with the patient's health care team to coordinate care and ensure that all of the patient's health care needs are met.
Nurse Case Manager job duties include:
- Coordinating and managing patient care
- Acting as a liaison between patients and doctors
- Monitoring patient progress and updating medical records
- Developing care plans and discharge planning
- Arranging for home health care or other services
- Counseling patients and families on health maintenance and disease prevention
- Collaborating with other members of the healthcare team
- Advocating for patients' rights
- Teaching patients and families about self-care
Nurse Case Manager Job Requirements
A Nurse Case Manager is a registered nurse who coordinates care for patients, working with other health care professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. They also provide education and support to patients and their families. To become a Nurse Case Manager, one must first obtain a nursing degree from an accredited school of nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Many employers also require certification in case management from a recognized organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the Commission for Case Manager Certification. In addition, most employers prefer candidates who have at least three years of experience working in a hospital setting.
Nurse Case Manager Skills
- Time management
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Organization
- Prioritization
- Patient advocacy
- Emotional intelligence
- Conflict resolution
- Teamwork
- Documentation
- Referral coordination
Related: Top Nurse Case Manager Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Nurse Case Manager
There are many ways to become a Nurse Case Manager. One way is to become a Registered Nurse (RN). To become an RN, you must first complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you can then apply for a position as a Nurse Case Manager. Another way to become a Nurse Case Manager is to have a bachelor's degree in nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You can also become a Nurse Case Manager by having a master's degree in nursing or a PhD in nursing.
Related: Nurse Case Manager Resume Example
Related: Nurse Case Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)