New demand for case management among healthcare staffing

Case management is quickly becoming a staple in the healthcare staffing system. It might just be the ticket to staying on the cutting edge of travel nurse jobs.

For starters, case management nurses are specialized nurses who manage the long-term care plans for patients with chronic or complicated medical conditions. They work closely with patients and their loved ones to determine patients' needs, creating a comprehensive healthcare plan that address their goals and preferences. For example, a travel nurse might manage healthcare for patients who are coping with cancer or those awaiting organ transplants.

Besides working with healthcare plans, a case management nurse also has the chance to work in a social work capacity. Often they serve as advocates to ensure that each patients receives the most cost-effective care possible.

Today, case managers are found in every sector of healthcare, but this was not always so. In years past, case managers were limited to hospitals, managed care organizations and organizations that focused on workers compensation. Yet fairly recently – within the last decade – there has been a shift into new models of care to work with patients on a one-on-one basis. Experts are predicting that moving forward, case management will likely take to the ambulatory care setting, such as ambulatory care centers, as well as physician practices and integrated delivery systems.

Expansion of case management 
As you likely know from your nursing experience, the healthcare system is complex and costly. The Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in 2010 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2012, is instituting a number of changes to the healthcare system. As you've likely heard, the law is working to expand access to healthcare coverage for millions of Americans who previously did not have healthcare insurance. Not only does this act as a main step in getting people to seek preventative care, it enables them to manage chronic conditions through primary care compared to inhabiting the emergency department.  

Case managers play a big role in helping patients reap the benefits of the chronic care made possible by the ACA. Travel nurse case managers hone in on the patient care and confront challenges that patients and families experience when dealing with an illness, injury or aging. What's more, they also serve as a liaison between the physician and the payer. In this way, communication with all stakeholders can be improved, the gaps closed and the patient's needs met.

Skill set
Case management is viewed as an advanced practice specialty for travel nurses. Those who are looking to purse case management must have a solid grasp on the business and financial side of healthcare. Since they act as advocates for the most cost-effective health plan for patients who require long-term care over the course of months and years, case management nurses need to be able to convey the features of Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance providers. 

Meanwhile, the position allows both the gratification of patient care and the rewarding challenge of leadership. Case management nurses are  vital in making sure that the patient receives the correct care from a team of healthcare professionals.

Those who want to enter the practice of case management must possess these core skills:

  • Clinical skills
  • Advocacy
  • Leadership 
  • Thorough understanding of chronic/high cost medical, social and behavioral health conditions
  • Negotiation skills
  • Cultural adaption
  • Motivational and interpersonal skills​
  • Empathy
  • Conflict resolution

If you think case management nursing might be the right direction for you, travel nurses may opt to stay in the same location to establish the necessary relationships with patients and healthcare teams.