What is a Nurse Care Coordinator?
A nurse care coordinator is a nurse who specializes in organizing patient care and treatments by incorporating all members in the care team. They usually focus on patients with specific diagnoses such as diabetes, asthma, heart failure, etc. Care coordination helps prevent fragmented care and helps patients seamlessly transition from one care area to another. In today's complicated world of healthcare, patients need someone to help navigate them throughout the care continuum. Nurse care coordinators help to:
- Improve patient care outcomes
- Improve access to care
- Decrease healthcare cost
- Prevent hospital readmissions
- Promote continuity of care
There are many types of administrative-level nurses that have simular roles to nurse care coordinators; here is a table that demonstrates these:
| Type of Nurse | Role | Certifications |
| Case Management Nurse | Coordinates patient care, manages treatment plans, ensures quality care, communicates with patients and healthcare providers | RN, CCM (Certified Case Manager) |
| Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) | Oversees the integration of care for a specific set of patients, coordinates and implements evidence-based practice | RN, CNL (Clinical Nurse Leader Certification) |
| Nurse Navigator | Guides patients through the healthcare system, especially those with complex conditions, provides support and education | RN, OCN (Oncology Certified Nurse), NCN (Nurse Navigator Certified) |
| Utilization Review Nurse | Reviews patient cases for appropriate use of healthcare services, ensures cost-effective care | RN, CPUR (Certified Professional Utilization Reviewer) |
| Nurse Advocate | Represents patients’ interests, helps them understand their rights and healthcare options | RN, various advocacy-related certifications |
| Home Health Nurse | Provides care for patients at home, coordinates with other healthcare providers, ensures continuity of care | RN, HHC (Home Health Care Certification) |
How to Become a Nurse Care Coordinator
Nurse care coordinators are typically bachelor’s-prepared nurses with several years of clinical care experience. Although care coordination education is generally not part of nursing school, nurses do perform some level of care coordination during their shift (for example, contacting nutrition services for dietary needs). Nurse care coordinators are more specialized and focus on individualized plans for their patients.
What Are the Schooling Requirements?
Nurse care coordinators usually hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and an RN license. Of course, every employer has specific requirements – some may even prefer a master's degree in nursing (MSN). Several years of working in a clinical care area may also be required.
Research MSN in care coordination programs and online post-master’s care coordination graduate certificates.
Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?
While it may not be required for employment, the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AACN) offers certification in Care Coordination and Transition Management. The course covers nine dimensions of care coordination and touches on topics such as:
- Patient advocacy
- Patient and family education and engagement
- Coaching and counseling
- Patient-centered care planning
- Nursing process
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Population health management
- Nursing informatics
What Does a Nurse Care Coordinator Do?
Nurse care coordinators are, in a sense, patient representatives. Patients have very individualized needs depending on their health and diagnoses. Nurse care coordinators help obtain and utilize healthcare services based on those needs. For example, a patient hospitalized with congestive heart failure may require dietary education from a nutritionist, home monitoring via cardiology or telehealth, and activity/exercise counseling from physical therapy. The nurse care coordinator helps by collaborating with any members of the healthcare team that will help improve outcomes.
Where Do Nurse Care Coordinators Work?
Basically, any time patients need assistance navigating the healthcare arena, care coordinators are needed. Nurse care coordinators can work in a multitude of care settings. They can work in:
- Emergency departments
- Inpatient units
- Ambulatory care
- Specialty units
- Long-term care facilities
- Home health
What Are the Roles and Duties of a Nurse Care Coordinator?
The specific roles and duties of a nurse care coordinator may include:
- Educating patients and families
- Developing care plans to involve the entire disciplinary team
- Rounding on patients to monitor progress
- Evaluating progress
- Maintaining quality, safety, and patient privacy
- Serving as a liaison between the interdisciplinary team
Nurse Care Coordinator Salary & Employment
Compensation for nurse care coordinators is extremely variable. Salary depends on the state, city, and organization of employment. The average base pay for RN care coordinators is $97,875 per year (the full range is $88,768 to $109,003). Additionally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of the highest-paying states for RNs include California, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Oregon.
The BLS does not have specific data for RN care coordinators, but they do predict an increase in demand for nurses by 7% until 2032. Experts contend that the increased demand is a result of an aging population, recent healthcare legislation, and increased demand for healthcare services. Additionally, healthcare organizations are continually looking for ways to reduce costs – RN care coordinators are extremely valuable in that sense.
Nurse Care Coordinator FAQs
While both Nurse Care Coordinators and Case Managers work to ensure that patients receive the appropriate care, there are some differences in their roles. Nurse Care Coordinators are typically more focused on direct patient care and may provide clinical support, such as managing symptoms or helping with medication adherence. They often work within specific care teams or departments. Case Managers, on the other hand, generally have a broader role that includes coordinating resources and services, managing insurance and financial aspects, and ensuring that patients have access to the necessary support systems. Case Managers may not always have a nursing background, while Nurse Care Coordinators are usually registered nurses.
Helpful Organizations, Societies, and Agencies
- The American Academy of Nursing
- American Association of Managed Care Nursing
- American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination
