What Is a RN Case Manager?

The nursing field has changed dramatically within the past few decades. The demand for nurses has skyrocketed, and many new positions have been created. One such position is a case manager. The duties of an RN case manager can be varied, and certifications must earned to attain this position. While not being the most highly paid of all registered nursing positions, it is still one of the most in-demand positions in nursing today.

What is a RN case manager?

A RN case manager serves dual purposes: there is the obvious medical aspect, and there's a social worker's concern for a patient's welfare. On a daily basis a case manager will do new admissions and outline a plan of continuous care for patients in need of a consistent visitation regimen. They are employed in hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices; and some RN case workers even work as consultants for health insurance companies.

What are the qualificatons to become a RN case manager?

A case manager must graduate from an accredited school of nursing and complete all the requirements to attain a registered nursing license through their practicing state's board. Usually a case manager will have at least one year of clinical practice and be employed in a medical, surgical, home health or critical care agency. A case worker must also have a valid driver's license and have excellent rapport with patients and other professionals. Due to the many projects a case worker must deal with at once, it is important to have a high energy level and a strong work ethic.

What are the different certifications for a RN case worker?

The American Nurses Credentialing Center is the largest certification board. Once their examination is passed, a registered nurse can use the title RN-BC (board certified). For additional certifications and a specialization for case management in a hospital setting, a nurse can take an examination given through the American Case Managers Association. The Accredited Case Manager certification is the only additional case manager certification currently offered.

What is the salary for a RN case worker?

There is a need practically everywhere in the United States now for case managers, as the healthcare field has greatly expanded compared to previous years. Currently, the median salary for a RN case manager is between $65,000 and $75,000 per year.

Who are the top-paid RN case workers?

Because of the high demand for hospice case managers, this specialization is near the top of the pay scale for RN case workers: they make a minimum of $75,000 per year in most areas of the United States.

Resources

• For more information on case managers see this site.