Certified nurse case management has become a vital part of patient care in recent years. With the aging of the population, there will be an increase in chronic diseases in the United States. This means that case managers will play an important role in helping patients manage their complex health issues.
An individual with chronic illness care is coordinated by a case manager. Patients and their families receive support and guidance throughout their illness from this professional.
Becoming a certified nurse case manager is the best way to progress your nursing career by learning about the requirements for certification and the responsibilities of the position. In this post, we cover how to become a certified nurse case manager, as well as the knowledge, credentials, and expertise required for a successful career.
What Is a Certified Nurse Case Manager?
A certified nurse case manager (CNCM) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides comprehensive patient assessment, education, coordination of services, and ongoing monitoring of patients receiving nursing home care.
CNCMs work closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, dieticians, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure that each resident receives the highest quality of care possible.
CNCMs provide care coordination and support services to individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and other medical problems. They also assist families and caregivers in managing these issues.
What Does a Certified Nurse Case Manager Do?
As a certified nurse case manager, you will provide direct clinical care to residents and coordinate care with other providers. You will also educate patients and families about their treatment options and help them make decisions regarding their care.
CNCMs play a vital role in healthcare delivery systems. They serve as a liaison between patients and providers, ensuring that every aspect of care is coordinated and effective.
CNCMs are critical members of the health care team because they are able to identify problems early and intervene before they become serious issues. By doing this, hospitals and emergency rooms are prevented from being visited.
Tips to Become a Certified Nurse Case Manager
To obtain a case management certification, you must complete a recognized program first. Becoming a CNCM involves the following steps:
Study for a Degree
An associate's degree is sufficient for regular certified nurse case manager professionals. However, to work as a specialized certified nurse case manager, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Gain Case Management Experience
The next step after gaining extensive nursing experience is to hone case management skills. Before applying for a license, prospective case managers must complete one to two years of work in suitable positions.
Get Certified as a Registered Nurse
Potential case managers must get licensed as registered nurses, as the nurse case manager is a specialized nursing professional. The majority of states demand that RN candidates have substantial nursing experience and exhibit advanced nursing abilities. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses is also required.
Undergo Nurse Case Manager Training
For registered nurses who want to transition to nurse case management, there are numerous courses and training programs available. Candidates who complete these training courses will have the specialized knowledge and abilities required for success in the case manager role.
Depending on the institution, these training programs may last a different amount of time. Some people participate in therapeutic case management programs that run six weeks, three months, or a year.
Those who want to work in the case of management in nursing can also earn a master's degree in that field. Their attraction to employers may enhance if they possess this qualification.
It is essential to enroll in a case management training program or course since they help candidates get ready to take licensing exams. In a case management training course, some of the subjects covered might include:
- Insurance advocacy
- Legal and moral concerns
- Assessment and management of patient cases
Gain Nursing Experience
Gaining on-the-job experience is necessary for registered nurses (RNs) who want to move into a case management position. To be taken into consideration for a case manager position, a nurse must have at least five years of experience in nursing.
Apply for Nurse Case Management Certification
Lack of a license could result in harsh fines from the government for those who practice case management. The recognized ways to become a certified nurse case manager are:
- Obtaining certification from the Commission for Case Managers (CCMC)
- Becoming certified as a nurse case manager by the American Nursing Credentialing Centre (ANCC)
- Acquiring certification from The American Academy of Case Management (AACM).
Obtaining one of these certificates will get you one step closer to being a certified nurse case manager. To renew your license, you need to pass an exam after a certain number of months.
What Skills Do Certified Nurse Case Managers Need?
The CNCM is responsible for coordinating care for patients along with other nurses and physicians. Also, you will assist your patients in making informed decisions regarding their care and understanding their treatment options. In addition, you will provide emotional support to patients and families as well as advocate for patients when necessary.
The following essential skills must be possessed in order to succeed in a case management role for RNs:
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making skills
- Research skills
Average Salary of Certified Nurse Case Managers
In the United States, a case manager has an average yearly pay of $69,390. Nurse case managers' actual income may vary depending on their region, employer, experience level, educational background, and professional responsibilities. Following the right advancement tips will boost your nursing career.
Conclusion
Case managers are responsible for coordinating care for patients who require long-term services and support. They support individuals and families through assessment, diagnosis, treatment, coordination of services, advocacy, and follow-up.
Becoming a certified case management nurse involves identifying problems and developing solutions to meet the needs of clients, and overall improve the healthcare system.