RN Case Manager: Job Description, Duties and Requirements

RN case managers are registered nurses who are more involved in the social work aspect of health care rather than the clinical aspect. Their main function is to evaluate new patients and develop plans of care.

View 24 Popular Schools »

RN Case Manager Job Description

RN case managers are registered nurses (RNs) who develop, implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans. They act as social workers, advocate patient welfare, and serve as a liaison between patients, their families and healthcare providers. Hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, home health agencies or health insurance companies may employ RN case managers.

RN Case Manager Job Duties

RN case managers work with new admissions, assessing their conditions and needs in order to develop personalized care plans. They regularly evaluate these plans of care and update them on an as-needed basis. They must educate their patients and their families on how to follow their care plans. RN case managers may also provide nursing care to their patients.

RN Case Manager Requirements

A RN case manager must first be a registered nurse. They should have an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing program, though many employers prefer job candidates who have bachelor's degrees. Students take courses involving anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, behavioral science and nursing.

Job candidates who have earned a master's degree in nursing may be even more attractive to employers. The nurse must then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed to work in this field. RN case managers are usually required to have a few years of clinical care experience as a RN before they can work as a case manager. Some employers also require health care experience in a supervisory or quality assurance position.

An optional credential for RN case managers is to earn the accredited case manager (ACM) certification offered by the American Case Management Association. To obtain certification, a RN case manager must pass a two-part examination consisting of questions about case management in the health system and clinical simulations. In some cases, ACM certification can improve a RN case manager's professional standing since it reflects his or her competence.

Show me popular schools

Related to RN Case Manager: Job Description, Duties and Requirements

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Be an RN Case Manager: Education and Career Roadmap

Learn how to become an RN case manager. Research the education requirements, licensure information and experience...

Nurse Case Manager Course and Class Overviews

Courses in nurse case management, also called care management, are offered as part of many Master of Science in...

Nurse Case Manager: Certification and Career Information

A nurse case manager is a patient's advocate. This nurse is the liaison between the healthcare provider and the...

Become a Social Service Case Manager: Education and Career Roadmap

Learn how to become a social service case manager. Research the job description, education and licensure requirements...

Movie Theater Manager: Career and Salary Information

24 Popular Schools

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics