Nursing Case Managers
How to Become a Case Management Nurse
If you are interested in advancing your nursing career, becoming a case management nurse may be the career path for you. If you are already a registered nurse, this can be as simple as earning a case management nursing certificate online. This is not a requirement, but would give you a competitive edge in the field.
Job Description and Duties of a Case Management Nurse
According to the Commission for Case Management Certification, case management is a “collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services” necessary to meet people’s healthcare needs. They are both advocates for patients, as well as agents working toward the most efficient, cost-conscious care on behalf of the insurance provider and the medical facility.
A case management nurse works together with the patient and their providers, helps develop a plan of care, monitors progress, assesses their care, and makes changes or suggests alternative treatments if necessary. They ensure that the quality of care is high, that the care best suits their needs, and that it is all done cost-efficiently. They will work with the patients and their families, as well as with the provider and the physicians. They analyze data, conduct research, and compare treatments. Additionally, case management nurses often specialize in one area of healthcare to better serve their clients.
Nurse Case Manager Salaries and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that the salary of a nurse case manager is usually higher than a registered nurse, though salaries will also vary based on location, employer, years of experience, and the types of cases handled.
Healthcare is one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States, with impending nursing shortages facing the healthcare industry. This translates to a great future for nurses, with job security, benefits, and other career paths within nursing. The growing aging population and large portions of the nursing workforce facing retirement ensure that these trends won’t change. The field of case managers has continued to grow as managed care has. As the healthcare sector grows and undergoes reform, case management nursing will be an important part of the system to ensure that proper care is given in the most cost-efficient manner.
Featured Online Case Management Certificate and Master’s Programs
Kaplan University School of Nursing
If you are interested in promoting quality, cost-effective health care and human services for patients and their families, consider becoming a case manager. This program is designed for health and human services professionals, including registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, and medical doctors. This Case Management certificate can be completed in 12 months. Request information from the Kaplan University to earn more.
American Sentinel University – School of Nursing
The MSN program is offered online. Courses and enrollment start every two weeks. American Sentinel University is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, which is Nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Programs Offered: Online MSN – (Tracks: Informatics, Case Management, Management and Organizational Leadership), RN to MSN – (Tracks: Informatics, Case Management, Management and Organizational Leadership)