Learn more about care coordination roles.

Travel nurse tips: How to move into a care coordination job

Care coordination is becoming a vital component of the medical industry, and its integration impacts those in travel nursing and nurse practitioner jobs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this term refers to using collaborating efforts in tasks related to patient care, like information sharing, to deliver higher quality, safer and more effective care. This strategy also takes into account the patient's needs and preferences. As an registered nurse or nurse practitioner, you have many opportunities to move into care coordination jobs.

Care coordination job roles
As a travel nurse, you already play a key role in care coordination. After all, it's your job to relay vital health information to physicians and cater treatment strategies to the patient's culture and needs. However, you can fill job roles that are designed specifically to enhance care coordination in a medical facility. According to Nurse.com, these titles include nurse case manager, nurse navigator and health coach, though they are far from the only positions available for this purpose.

While the job environment varies widely for care coordination jobs, the duties remain relatively consistent. As New Health Advisor explained, the main responsibility in these roles is to ensure the medical facility provides high quality care to patients. How the locale achieves this goal is partly up to the care coordinate. For instance, someone in this position may create patient care programs, educate patients on their health, set quality standard benchmarks for the medical facility and maintain a patient database.

Characteristics of a care coordinator
Nurses understand that different duties require specific skill sets. For example, checking vital signs may call on technical knowledge whereas counseling patients requires compassion and empathy. Similarly, care coordinators must have unique characteristics.

If you plan on moving into a care coordination role, focus on your communication and leadership skills. You will facilitate conversations about patients and help move information between parties. Individuals in these jobs must also be organized and professional. Additionally, it is beneficial to have some familiarity with health IT systems, as technology in healthcare is one of the factors contributing to increased care coordination.

Moving from travel nurse or nurse practitioner to care coordinator
Building your skills as a healthcare professional is important if you plan to take on a care coordination job. Capitalize on every opportunity you can to become more knowledgeable and experienced. New Health Advisor also noted that individuals pursuing these jobs can become certified by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators.

As a travel nurse, you can also look specifically for jobs that take you on this new career path. Speak with your recruiter about working in facilities that have opportunities in this sector of healthcare. Additionally, within your job, make networking a priority – you never know what relationship could help you land a care coordination position.

One of the best aspects of working in travel nursing is the ability to grow in your career. With the right strategies and drive, you can move into a care coordination career.

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