A nurse case manager is a healthcare professional who coordinates and oversees long-term care for patients. Their duties include updating patient care plans and educating patients and their families on how to follow these plans. They bridge the gap between the patient, healthcare providers and other stakeholders involved in a patient’s care, ensuring patients receive the appropriate services while supporting a holistic approach to treatment and recovery.
Programs like the online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) provide the necessary education and preparation for this challenging and rewarding field. Students gain the skills and knowledge to excel in case management roles across various healthcare settings.
Responsibilities of the Nurse Case Manager
Case management responsibilities differ from other nursing roles in several ways. While traditional nursing roles often focus on direct patient care, nurse case managers oversee the entire continuum of care for their patients.
One of the primary duties of the nurse case manager is to create and manage personalized care for each patient according to their medical condition. To do this effectively, the nurse case manager must frequently assess patients, update their care plans as necessary, constantly communicate with the patients and their families, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to coordinate resources and services.
Nurse case managers also play a vital role as educators and advocates, guiding patients and their families through care plans, which is integral to successful treatment. By empowering patients and their families to actively participate in care, nurse case managers ensure care plans are implemented effectively.
They also advocate for patients by securing necessary resources and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system on their behalf. This role demands strong communication, problem-solving and organizational skills, highlighting that nurse case managers are necessary for patient-centered care.
Where Do Nurse Case Managers Work?
A career as a nurse case manager offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact patients’ long-term health and well-being in various settings, depending on their area of expertise and patient needs. Nurse case managers work in hospitals, long-term care centers, community health centers and outpatient facilities. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and ensure continuity of care.
Nurse case managers may also work at government agencies, insurance companies or home healthcare organizations. They can work remotely or in the office. These non-traditional workspaces often focus on coordinating care for patients across different providers and settings and managing insurance claims. In all work settings, nurse case managers strive to provide care that supports patients’ long-term health.
How to Become a Nurse Case Manager
To become a nurse case manager, you must be an RN and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). You can be an RN with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), but employers typically prefer RNs with at least a BSN degree. According to a My American Nurse report, 71% of case managers hold at least a bachelor’s degree, highlighting the importance of higher education in this field.
Nurse case managers must become certified to practice under this role. After obtaining the necessary degree and licensure, RNs are encouraged to gain at least five years of nursing experience and at least two years of case management practice and enroll in a certification program. These programs usually include courses on legal and ethical issues, case assessment and management, and insurance advocacy. Finally, the RN applies to take one of three national certification exams, each with its own requirements.
Career Outlook for Nurse Case Managers
There is a strong demand for nurse case managers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field for medical and health services managers, including nurse case managers, is projected to grow 28% between 2022 to 2032, with nearly 55,000 employment openings yearly. The aging population and the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery systems drive this forecasted growth.
Nurse case manager salaries are also competitive. As of August 2024, ZipRecruiter reports that the national average annual salary for a nurse case manager in the U.S. is approximately $98,869. Salaries can vary depending on location and experience. Specialized fields or areas with a higher cost of living can also determine wages.
How UTA’s Online RN to BSN Program Prepares Students for Case Management
The online RN to BSN program from UTA equips nurses for the complexities of case management by focusing on the development of critical skills, leadership and knowledge. The program’s curriculum includes courses on leadership and management, health policy and community health, all of which are relevant to the role and the success of a nurse case manager.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington’s online RN to BSN program.
