What Is a Nurse Case Manager?
Responsible for the healthcare needs for a patient, a nurse case manager determines the types of care needed for a patient’s condition or illness. Nurse case managers may be employed at a nursing home or hospital. Built on the nurse’s broad knowledge and advanced clinical experience, the position mostly consists of administrative duties.
What Does a Nurse Case Manager Do?
Nurse case managers work with patients and their doctors to determine what treatment is needed. They review each patient’s case individually. Nurse case managers assess the patient’s needs and determine treatment methods, nutrition, medications and exercises. They are in charge of admissions and discharge planning for patients in a healthcare facility. Sometimes, nurse case managers may also have to perform patient examinations.
Nurse case managers also communicate with the patient’s health insurance provider to verify eligibility for various treatments and programs. They are responsible for ensuring treatment plans are cost-effective.
How Much Do Nurse Case Managers Earn?
According to PayScale, nurse case managers earn an average salary of $70,275 per year. Wages are commensurate with experience. Nurse case managers with less than five years of experience earn an average annual salary of $64,000. Those with at least 20 years of experience earn an average of $75,000 per year.
How Do I Become a Nurse Case Manager?
A bachelor’s degree in nursing can give you the competitive advantage and advanced nursing leadership skills that are required for the role. Candidates must have a valid nursing license. Proficiency with a computer is preferred, especially as the job requires data entry, communication and research.
Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program
helps transforms you into a highly qualified nursing
leader. With the program’s flexible online format, you can maintain your busy
schedule and earn your degree in as little as one year. Taught by educators who
are experienced in a variety of professional leadership and clinical practice
roles. The RN to BSN Completion Program at Alvernia University is accredited by
the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).