A Day in the Life of a Nurse Case Manager
The role of an inpatient nurse case manager is dynamic, challenging, and multifaceted, revolving around the core objective of ensuring safe discharges and effective communication with payors and families.
A Typical Day of a Nurse Case Manager
Morning: Priorities and Patient Assessment
The day begins with reviewing the caseload and prioritizing tasks. Assessments of new admissions and transfers take place, along with discussions with patients and families to understand their needs and potential discharge plans. In addition, the morning includes reviewing patient’s medical history, current condition, progress, as well as initiating the educational process for both patients and families regarding self-care and discharge options.
Midmorning: Collaboration with the Medical Team
Early doctor rounds provide an opportunity to ensure effective communication with patients and families. If necessary, relay information to absent family members. Interdisciplinary team meetings bring together various healthcare professionals to discuss patient care collectively, ensuring coordinated treatment.
Midday: Ethics Discussions and Networking
Scheduled ethics meetings involve discussions with family members, doctors, chaplains, charge nurses and occasionally the hospital attorney to address a patient condition and provide families with a thorough understanding of options such as hospice or palliative care. Lunch with other nurse managers serves as a break to de-stress and exchange ideas often including educational sessions on topics from vendors or updates regarding new options of skilled nursing facilities.
Afternoon: Documentation and Updates
Returning to the office, the nurse case manager reviews and documents visits from the course of the day ensuring all necessary updates are submitted to insurance providers. Weekly conferences for complex patients involve presenting cases and discussing potential discharge delays or complex discharge issues, such as the need for guardianship or conservatorship.
End of the Day: Reflection and Planning
Ensuring all documentation is up-to-date and correspondence is completed. Reflecting on the positive impact made on patients and families throughout the day with a plan to return tomorrow for further opportunities to provide compassionate care.
Throughout the day, the nurse case manager serves as an advocate for patients, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment and services while navigating the complexities of healthcare delivery.
Keep in mind that each facility or organization utilizes it’s own model for the nurse case managers.
Carolyn Coleman is a wife, mother, and grandmother with over 38 years of experience as a nurse. She is a lifelong learner who serves as an adjunct clinical instructor, mentor, and motivational speaker. Carolyn is a lifetime member of the NBNA and a current member of the BBNA. She also sits on the Trustee Board of the BPL and is a Board Member of the C.H.L.M.S Medihelpz Foundation, a patient advocacy group.
At Louise Garrett, she is an indie author of a five-book series titled “The Gentry Series,” which follows the journey of Gentry and her friends. She has co-authored five #1 Best Selling anthologies and has joined an esteemed group of authors in the book “From Girls to Women.” Carolyn is currently working on two fictional pieces, one titled “Left,” which is set to be released later this year, and a book of short stories. Additionally, she is presently working on a book dedicated to her parents.
Carolyn also hosts an international podcast called Gentry Journey, where she discusses topics that inspire and empower listeners, particularly on medical issues and providing a platform for new and aspiring authors. She believes that now is the time to set goals and follow dreams, emphasizing that everyone can succeed.