What does a Registered Nurse Case Manager do?
Registered nurse case managers are responsible for coordinating patient care services. They help determine the type of care needed and the steps that must be taken to ensure that the patient receives that care. Other responsibilities can include scheduling appointments, determining insurance eligibility for certain treatments and performing exams and evaluations. Registered nurse case managers typically have clinical experience and begin their careers as registered nurses who care for patients daily. After, they can progress to higher levels of management. They can work in hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities.
To become a registered nurse case manager, you should have at least an associate's degree in nursing. Some jobs may require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. For all jobs in this field, you need to have a valid registered nurse license, which must be obtained by successfully completing a nursing program and passing a licensing exam. Registered nurse case managers should have extensive health care knowledge, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to clearly communicate decisions.
- Use clinical tools, data and other information to complete assessments of patient needs
- Create individualized and comprehensive case management and treatment plans
- Determine insurance eligibility for various treatments and treatment programs
- Clearly explain the reason for prescribed treatments and treatment plans to patients
- Educate patients on benefits, services and other resources, including payment options
- Communicate with patients, physicians and insurance companies to secure successful outcomes
- Document complex medical information to outline and improve health results
- Follow case and quality management processes in compliance with regulatory guidelines and company procedures
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in nursing, with a bachelor's degree preferred
- Active nursing license in the state in which you will be based
- Clinical knowledge of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and congestive heart failure
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with patients, physicians and other stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to patient and family needs in a timely manner
- General knowledge of case management practices, including familiarity with relevant products and services
- Basic computer skills, including working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite
- Experience in establishing professional and collaborative relationships with patients, doctors and insurance providers
- Certification as a diabetes educator, nutritionist, physical therapist or other specialty is a plus
Registered Nurse Case Manager Salaries
Average Base Pay
Registered Nurse Case Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Registered Nurse Case Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Registered Nurse Case Manager Insights
Compassus“Thi was not the worst training in my nursing career but in my entire working career!”
Host Healthcare“Travel nursing is very new to me and I was blessed to work with an amazing recruiter Christina.”
Careage Healthcare“You have to use your PTO for holidays and don't get holiday pay for working holidays.”
Heartland Hospice“Pay scale was decent but salaried”
Kaiser Permanente“Provides resources to allow you to further your education and professional development”
Centers Plan for Healthy Living“Good work and life balance”
Intrepid USA“Flexible; sweet people to work with.”
Genex Services“Good outcomes based on insurance company dollars spent and not quality patient outcomes.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Registered Nurse Case Manager
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Instructor
- Nursing Manager