How Can I Become an RN Case Manager?

What Does an RN Case Manager Do?

RN case managers plan post-medical facility care to ensure patient recovery and well-being. They work to coordinate information and treatment between medical staff and patients and their families. RN case managers monitor patients during recovery and provide for their emotional and physical well-being. If necessary, these managers may need to research specialized procedures not covered or performed by a patient's typical healthcare providers, recommending them to a physician able to do so.

The following chart provides an overview of what you need to know about entering this field.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Is an RN Case Manager?

RN case managers create individual patient care plans. They are liaisons between a patient, a patient's family, and medical professionals, and should therefore have strong communication skills. As a case manager, you'll monitor a patient's rehabilitation and medication and support that person's physical and emotional needs to ensure recovery. Your RN case manager duties will include maintaining patient confidentiality, planning discharges, and instructing patients and families regarding continuing care.

Where Do I Begin?

If you are not already a registered nurse (RN), you'll need to become one as your first step toward becoming a case manager. Two levels of degrees lead to the RN designation. An associate degree - such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) - is a 2-year option. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4-year degree. Though a BSN is not required to become an RN, this degree, along with a master's degree in nursing, is becoming the standard for case manager education requirements.

After earning either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Now you will have earned RN credentials and can set your sights on case management.

Experience and Education

Registered nurses must gain experience. You will need a minimum of two years working as a registered nurse to be eligible for a case manager position. In some cases, your RN credential and work experience may be sufficient to take on case management responsibilities. However, in order to pursue certification, you may also need to work 2,000 clinical practice hours in case management within the last three years.

During this time, you can enroll in a case management certificate program online or at a community college. Courses are also offered by some professional case management organizations. Topics covered might include case management theories, ethics, field skills, life planning, or quality improvement. Depending on the area of nursing you work in or plan to work in, you may need to take additional coursework geared toward treating these patients; examples of specialized areas include critical care, pediatrics, oncology, ICU, military, and worker's compensation.

Certification

Because there is not just one governing association that oversees case management certification, you will need to research which agency or certification is best for you. Possibilities include the Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential or the Accredited Case Manager (ACM) certification, which is geared toward case management in a hospital setting. Other alternatives include earning fellowship status in the American Academy of Case Management or the case management nurse RN-BC (Registered Nurse - Board Certified) credential. Certifications will typically have education, experience, examm and continuing education requirements

What Will The Job Be Like?

RN case managers facilitate tailored patient care in hospitals, private homes, and rehabilitation and long-term care facilities. RN case managers work with patients and family members to determine patient needs and communicate with the patient's healthcare team. Case managers establish treatment eligibility, translate medical jargon to patients/family, teach patients/family about the best care practices, and make arrangements for additional treatments or services the patient needs. These are just a few of the possible duties of an RN case manager; your duties will vary.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

RN case managers have several similarities with other kinds of specialized RNs. Cardiovascular nurses, for example, are registered nurses specializing in the treatment of heart conditions. Nephrology nurses treat kidney conditions, including those caused by diabetes or substance abuse. Addiction nurses work with those recovering from addictive substances, providing treatment and counseling to patients. These nurses have a similar career path to traditional registered nurses, though they'll usually take specialized courses in schools to prepare them for their chosen focus area.