DiversityNursing Blog

Using humor in Nursing can be a valuable tool for creating a positive patient experience, improving communication, and reducing stress and anxiety among patients and fellow healthcare providers.

Humor can help break down barriers and build trust between patients and Nurses, making it easier to establish rapport and provide compassionate care. It can also help alleviate fear and anxiety, both of which are common among patients receiving care.

According to a study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, researchers found that humor "enhances feelings of closeness or togetherness when shared in the context of trust between the patient and Nurse and may be used as a coping mechanism in a stressful situation."

However, it is important to use humor appropriately and respectfully always being sensitive to the patient's needs and cultural background. Humor should never be used at the expense of a patient or in a way that could be perceived as unprofessional or insensitive.

Some ways that Nurses can incorporate humor into their interactions with patients include using lighthearted jokes or anecdotes to help patients feel more relaxed, finding common ground through shared interests or experiences, and using humor to diffuse tense situations or disagreements.

An article from the AMA Journal of Ethics states, "humor and laughter are shown to decrease levels of stress hormones, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, decrease pain, and decrease inflammation. Laughter is an excellent addition to treating almost any condition."

Overall, humor can be a valuable tool in Nursing when used appropriately and in a manner that supports positive patient outcomes.

Nurses often use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress and emotional impacts of their job. Humor can help reduce tension and provide a temporary escape from the demands of the work environment. 

Healthcare workers may use humor to help them deal with difficult patients, challenging coworkers, or stressful situations. Humor can help to create a sense of camaraderie and promote teamwork among staff.

According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Sharon Mawby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC can attest to the power of humor. As the Vice President of Patient Care Services and CNO at Emory Decatur, she knows well how fast-paced and stressful the Nursing work environment can be. "As a result, Nurses, who are often at the very center of care with patients and families, can become overwhelmed and burned out," she says.

"We know that laughter relieves stress, so when Nurses take the time to share stories and laughter with their colleagues they build a sense of community within their teams. After all, Nursing is a team effort. As a CNO, when I round on units and hear laughter between the staff, I know that they are having a good day."

It is important to note, humor should never be used to mock or belittle patients or coworkers, and shouldn't be used as a way to cope with the emotional toll of traumatic events. In these situations, it is essential for Nurses to seek support from colleagues, loved ones or mental health professionals.

Using humor can be helpful for Nurses, as long as it's practiced in a way that doesn't compromise patient care or professional standards.

Emergencies can happen anywhere and patients need to be transported to facilities via ambulance or flight. This is when Critical Care Transport Nurses (CCTNs) are needed.  

These Nurses travel with patients on the ground or in the air, providing dire medical care until they reach their destination. It is fast paced work often in smaller, more confined areas with limited equipment and tools.

“Critical care transport encompasses any type of critical care patient who needs to be moved from one facility to another to a higher level of care,” says Wanda Keaton, MHA, BSN, RN, CCRN, CFRN, Nurse Manager of Critical Care Transport at Cleveland Clinic. “We can transport these patients by ground in a mobile ICU, in a helicopter or in an airplane.”

The motto of the Cleveland Clinic critical care transport teams is “no patient too sick, no patient too far.”

CCTNs can work in a variety of settings such as:

• Government agencies
• Hospitals
• Independent transport companies 
• International medical organizations
• Long-term care facilities

The majority of their time is spent in:

• Ambulances
• Airplanes 
• Helicopters
• Ships specially outfitted for critical care transport

"Is it stressful and scary? Yes! Do I love every minute of it? Absolutely!" -- Alice Benjamin, APRN, MSN, ACNS-BC, FNP

Successful CCTNs should posses a range of skills such as:

• Advanced Nursing knowledge
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to deal with stress and keep calm
• Confidence in your knowledge, training, and abilities
• Physical endurance
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
  
  

How to become a Critical Care Transport Nurse:

• Earn an Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree

• Pass the NCLEX exam to receive RN licensure

• Earn your advanced life support certification

• Gain experience in Emergency, Med-Surg, or Critical Care Nursing

• Consider becoming certified 

Nursing Certifications to consider:

• BLS – Basic Life Support
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• CFRN – Certified Flight Registered Nurse
• TPATC – Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course
  
  

The average Critical Care Transport Nurse salary in the United States is $91,700, according to Salary.com. 

“All of our Nurses feel like they learn something new every day,” says Keaton. “There’s never a dull day for a Critical Care Transport Nurse.”

To learn more about this field, visit Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association

Performance anxiety and low confidence can be common among new Nurses as the field can feel intimidating. For your new journey, here are helpful tips to boost your confidence and help you to become the strong and resilient Nurse we know you can be. 

Find a Mentor

Mentors can be beneficial as they offer advice, guidance and support. They ease the transition to practice for new graduate Nurses, re-entry Nurses, and Nurses new to a specialty area.

Andrea Tran, an RN and lactation consultant cautions new Nurses to choose experienced Mentors who also have a knack for teaching. "They will tell you to let them know if you have any questions and ask you if you want to watch or participate in something you haven't done before or haven't yet mastered. They will make you feel good about your progress."

Knowledge is Power

Consistently learning and growing your knowledge will make you feel more confident in your decisions. Always ask questions if you're unsure about something. There are numerous training courses and opportunities for improving your skills. 

Don't Compare Yourself To Others

It's normal to feel the need to compare yourself to others but it's important to remember every Nurses' path is different, every shift is different, and every experience is different. Your team members are exactly that, your team, not your competitors. Learn from them but also be proud of the skills you have and the work you do. 

Stand Up For Yourself

Unfortunately, we know bullying exists in the Nursing profession, but you don’t have to succumb to it. Being bullied can affect your self-esteem big time. Bullies feed off of low self-confidence and a passive communication style. Hold your head high, make eye contact, and stand up for yourself by speaking with a strong sense of self. Believing in yourself is a powerful tool! 

Spread Positivity 

Positivity is contagious and it feels good to lift others up. When you spread positivity, you’re creating a warm and inviting environment. Not only will people gravitate to you they will in turn feel better and spread that positivity further, boosting morale and confidence for all. 

Don't Seek Validation From Others

Sometimes Nursing can feel like a thankless job. Remember why you're here - to care for others. If you're looking for a 'job well done' as approval for your hard work, you might be let down. It is important to recognize and appreciate yourself internally for your contributions and all that you do for others. 

It’s imperative Management recognizes staff for the incredible work Nurses do. But recognition is different from approval. Validation should come from within and not from others. 

Self Care

Being a Nurse can have physical and emotional affects from stressful working conditions. Self-care and healthy lifestyles are crucial. Nurses should seek out help from their mentor, a therapist, or other trusted colleagues if they are feeling distressed. It is essential to be mindful about eating healthy, getting enough sleep  and maintaining routines. Positive affirmations and healthy rewards for your hard work are needed. 

In your Nursing career, have you experienced self-esteem issues? What helped you overcome those difficult times? Please share with us in the comment section below.

Whether you are considering a career in Nursing or are a Nurse looking to switch pathways, something to consider is salary. Many factors play into salary such as location, employer, and experience. 

Here is a list of this year's highest paying Nursing positions.

1. Chief Nurse Anesthetist
Chief Nurse Anesthetists are responsible for supervising other Nurse Anesthetists and managing the day-to-day operations of the anesthesia department. They may also administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgical procedures. They work closely with surgeons and other medical personnel to ensure patients receive high-quality care.
Average Annual Salary- $211,500

2. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A Nurse Anesthetist provides pain medication (anesthesia) care for patients before, during, and after surgery. They administer medications to keep patients asleep or pain-free during surgery and constantly monitor every biological function of the patient's body.
Average Annual Salary- $189,190

3. Dean of Nursing
The Dean of Nursing manages administrative functions of the College of Nursing, develops college strategic initiatives, and participates in university long-term planning and policy setting. As the Dean, you lead the college in fundraising, cultivate relationships with donors, as well as provide senior level administrative leadership in areas of curriculum development, institutional assessment and improvement, human resources, faculty development and performance appraisals, budget and finance, and facilities planning and management.
Average Annual Salary- $185,466

4. Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
A Chief Nursing Informatics Officer (CNIO) oversees the safe, secure implementation of technology in the workplace. They are familiar with current medical systems, and continually seek opportunities to organically integrate technology to a greater extent within these systems.
Average Annual Salary- $159,849

5. Chief Nursing Officer
On a day-to-day basis, the CNO of a healthcare organization is kept busy by a wide range of responsibilities. Between communicating with team members, implementing new protocols, and evaluating department performance, a CNO completes leadership tasks each day that allow the rest of the organization to function well.
Average Annual Salary- $146,250

6. Chief Nurse Practitioner
A Chief Nurse Practitioner is a Registered Nurse who has advanced training and experience in primary care. In addition to their clinical responsibilities, they play a role in leading and promoting best practices within their organizations. They are often involved in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
Average Annual Salary- $145,000

7. Travel Nurse
A travel Nurse is a Registered Nurse with a clinical background working in a non-permanent or temporary Nursing role. Travel nurses are typically employed by an independent Nursing staffing agency instead of a single facility.
Average Annual Salary- $118,270

8. Director of Nursing
A large health care facility will often have a Director of Nursing. The Director oversees all Nursing staff and performs both the duties of a Lead Nurse in a team and the administrative and leadership responsibilities of a manager. The Director of Nursing is a qualified Nurse who is often called upon to advise in difficult, sensitive or long-term care situations. In the role of manager or administrator, the Director of Nursing will communicate directly with the Physicians and other Directors in the department.
Average Annual Salary- $117,996

9. Certified Nurse Midwife
A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a primary health care provider to women of all ages throughout their lives. CNMs focus on gynecologic and family planning services, as well as preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and newborn care. They also provide primary care such as conducting annual exams, writing prescriptions, and offering basic nutrition counseling.
Average Annual Salary- $117,552

10. Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are trained, licensed, and independent health care clinicians who concentrate on managing patients’ health conditions by treating injuries and illnesses, as well as supporting injury and disease prevention.
Average Annual Salary- $115,195

11. Pain Management Nurse
Pain Management Nurses are responsible for the care of patients with chronic or acute pain. Once they have assessed a patient’s pain, they work closely with Doctors and other Nurses to create a treatment plan. Pain Management Nurses administer medications and provide pain relief through other therapeutic methods. In addition, they teach patients and their families how to alleviate pain and make patients more comfortable.
Average Annual Salary- $114,450 

12. Neuroscience Nurse
A Neuroscience Nurse treats patients with neurological injuries and disorders, including head and spinal trauma from accidents, or illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. It’s important for these Nurses to have a firm understanding of how the nervous system works and how it can affect both the mind and the body.
Average Annual Salary- $109,930

13. Nurse Educator
Nurse Educators are responsible for teaching and instructing Nurses at colleges, universities, and in clinical settings like Doctors offices and hospitals. They have advanced Nursing degrees and understand the workload, policies, and requirements of nursing. Nurse Educators influence healthcare by training future Nurses who will play vital roles in healthcare facilities.
Average Annual Salary- $108,060

14. Respiratory Nurse
A Respiratory Nurse is a specialized Nursing professional that helps treat patients who are suffering from respiratory problems. As a respiratory Nurse, you will often care for patients who suffer from acute and chronic respiratory illnesses. Some examples may include bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, and lung cancer.
Average Annual Salary- $107,280

15. Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Nurse
A Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (shortened as Cardiac Cath Lab) assists Cardiologists during the entire catheterization process. They prepare the patient before and after the procedure to stabilize their health status. The type of patients they’ll work with have heart diseases or ailments that require constant monitoring.
Average Annual Salary- $106,550

16. Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialists are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who hold a master’s or doctoral degree in a specialized area of Nursing practice. In addition to conventional Nursing responsibilities, which focus upon helping patients to prevent or resolve illness, a Clinical Nurse Specialist’s scope of practice includes diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and/or disabilities within his/her field of expertise.
Average Annual Salary- $106,407

17. Surgical Nurse
Surgical Nurses are also known as Perioperative Nurses, and work in the OR and with surgery patients before, during, and after their surgery. There are many specific things that a Perioperative trained Registered Nurse will do to help Surgeons and Nurse Practitioners during surgery. They usually work directly with a Doctor on specific surgery patients to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Average Annual Salary- $104,370

18. Clinical Nurse Leader
The Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is responsible for evaluating patient outcomes, assessing risk across groups of patients, developing or revising care plans, and coordinating care among the multidisciplinary health care team. The CNL acts as a liaison between Nursing administration and the Staff Nurse, serving as an invaluable resource to that frontline care provider.
Average Annual Salary- $104,107

19. Labor And Delivery Nurse
From admission to discharge, Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurses are there for every step of the birthing process and postpartum care. This means that L&D Nurses monitor vitals of both mother and baby; track and measure contractions; proactively assess and address mothers’ needs (e.g., pain medications or other support); assist with delivery and provide care.
Average Annual Salary- $104,000

20. Geriatric Nurse
Geriatric Nurses work with Doctors and other healthcare professionals to care for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of elderly patients, helping them maintain independence and quality of life. These Registered Nurses (RNs) possess specialized knowledge and skills to treat common health issues affecting the elderly population.
Average Annual Salary- $103,800

Salary Source: Nursingprocess.org 

The Gallup polls are in and for more than two decades, Nurses have achieved the highest ethics rating from Americans.

According to the findings, the 79% of U.S. adults who now say Nurses have “very high” or “high” honesty and ethical standards is far more than any of the other 17 professions rated.

Nurses have topped the list every year except one since they were added to the annual ratings in 1999. That was in 2001, when firefighters earned a record-high 90% rating in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"Nurses have earned the trust of the American people by putting patient safety above all else," said Katie Murphy, a practicing ICU Nurse, and President of the Massachusetts Nurses Association. "The public has seen Nurses give everything to their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic while fiercely advocating for improvements to care quality and access."

Nurses, medical doctors and pharmacists remain the most ethically revered professions of those measured by Gallup.

Professions to earn the lowest ethics ratings were Car salespeople, members of Congress and telemarketers. 

Thinking about changing careers? At any stage in life, Nursing is a great choice because Nurses are always in demand. It's a challenging, but rewarding field and previous education can help you become a Nurse faster.

"I'm a second career Nurse. What's wonderful about Nursing, is that it's very accessible after you've already been to school or college for another type of degree," Telemetry Nurse, Victoria told Johnson and Johnson. 

If you already have a Bachelor’s degree in any field, an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is the quickest route. It usually takes less than 2 years. If you don't have a prior Bachelor’s degree, you can become a Registered Nurse (RN) with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or you can enter the workforce even quicker by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). 

After you earn your Nursing degree, you’ll be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

There are two of the NCLEX exam: The NCLEX-RN is a computerized exam required by all state boards of Nursing to qualify for an RN license. The NCLEX-PN is required to practice as an LPN.

After you pass the NCLEX, you must apply to your state board of Nursing for a license to practice.

If you're asking yourself, "Am I too old to become a Nurse?" The answer is no, it's never too late to join  the Nursing workforce. According to the NCSBN, the median age of working Registered Nurses is 52 years old. 

It's also important to remember this point by Indeed, your career length doesn't reduce the impact you may bring to the unit once you work as a Nurse. Your contribution makes a huge difference regardless of how long you can be active in the field.

"If you are a baby boomer or Gen X, there’s a place in Nursing for you. Your past work experience, dedication and passion are all needed resources within the healthcare arena. As Uncle Sam once said, “We Want You!," wrote Judy McDaniel, RN, MSN in a Nurse.com article.

According to The Department of Labor, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional Nurses are needed from 2020 to 2030, and that employment opportunities for Nurses will grow at 9%, faster than all other occupations from 2016 through 2026.

This high demand is due to a variety of factors such as an increase in chronic conditions, an aging population and a stronger emphasis on preventative care.

Commitment, Conscience, Competence, Compassion, and Confidence

Learning and adapting these concepts will allow you to provide better care and will improve the relationships you have with your patients as well as co-workers.

If you're interested in learning more about different Nursing Specialties, Click Here! 

Many people look forward to the holidays, however it can be a stressful time for Nurses working through the holiday season and missing festivities. Here are several tips to help make working through the holidays a little brighter.

Holiday Feast

Take time during a shift to fuel up with some yummy foods. Have everyone bring in their favorite meal or side dish, holiday treat, or order some take out. 

Work Fun

Organize a secret Santa with your unit or you may also consider planning a holiday party outside of your work setting. It’s nice to take the time out to blow off steam and enjoy your co-workers’ company. 

Decorate

With permission from your manager, decorate your work station, the hallways or even yourself with some holiday swag. Hang up paper pumpkins and turkeys. String twinkle lights and set up a holiday tree. Just be sure to be sensitive and inclusive of everyone’s holidays, not just your own. 

Celebrate On A Different Day

If you can't celebrate a holiday on the actual date, pick another day that works for your family or friends. Being with the people you love is what's important, no matter the date. 

Spread Holiday Cheer

This season is all about giving and as you know, giving makes you feel good. Try giving small gifts like scented hand sanitizers, cards, or decorative trinkets to your coworkers. Brighten patient's day with a note, little ornament, or holiday craft. 

Stay Connected

Make the most of your breaks during your shift. If able, FaceTime or Zoom with friends and family, follow their posts on social media, or ask someone to share videos of the holiday gatherings with you. Utilize available technology to stay as connected as possible. 

Silver Lining

Focus on the bright side, there may be benefits to working a holiday shift, such as extra pay or the next holiday off. You may also, hopefully, get to enjoy a slower work pace or less traffic during your commute.

Remember You're Important

Healthcare will always be 24/7 and someone must be there to care for patients. You're saving and changing lives by showing up to work. During the holidays that care can mean the world to a patient especially if their family or friends aren't able to visit or stay long. What you do as a Nurse is so important, don't you forget it! 

Alzheimer Disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, accounting for at least 2/3 of the cases of dementia in people age 65 and older. AD is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive and disabling impairment of cognitive functions including memory, comprehension, language, attention, reasoning, and judgment.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are over 6 million Americans living with AD with 3 million new cases diagnosed each year. This disease is deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. 

Often, early warning signs are dismissed or mistaken for normal aging behaviors such as forgetting or misplacing things. Early detection can help people maintain their independence longer and slow the progression of symptoms.

Ann Kriebel-Gasparro, a faculty member in Walden University's Master of Science in Nursing program emphasizes that Nurses who have training in dementia and AD with Gerontological patients can provide quality medical care to help track and manage symptoms. 

Common warning signs/symptoms include:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgment
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Changes in mood and personality
  
  

To provide high quality care, it’s important to consider these best practices when treating patients with Alzheimer’s:

Communication

Do not assume a patient can not communicate or express their feelings on their own. Instead, try using these communication techniques: 

• Maintain eye contact and direct one-on-one interaction.
• Be patient and offer assurance when the patient makes mistakes or feels embarrassment.
• Ask clear and simple questions requiring yes or no answers to minimize confusion.
• Do not interrupt or argue.
• Engage in conversations in quiet spaces without distractions.

Create a Daily Care Plan

Having a structured and predictable daily schedule is important for patients. It helps to reduce restlessness, anxiety, episodes of confusion and thought process impairment. This set routine helps them maintain a degree of autonomy in their activities of daily living.

Scheduled care plans usually include:

• Meal times
• Walking or gentle exercises 
• Drawing or painting
• Reading books and magazines
• Watching favorite shows or movies
• Listening to music

Proper Hygiene

People with AD may struggle to maintain their personal hygiene. Some might simply forget  they need to care for themselves, or, in later stages, forget how to do so. 

Some considerations for assisting with personal care:

Fall Prevention

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 seniors fall each year. Having Alzheimer's can increase that risk because AD can impact balance and spatial reasoning. 

Knowing that your patients are at greater risk is a crucial first step, but there is more you can do to prevent falls such as:

• Keeping rooms and walkways clear to prevent tripping or stumbling
• Supervising or providing a safety companion to help patients walk 
• Keep patients occupied and entertained so they are less likely to wander or move around unnecessarily
• Promoting safe physical activity to improve balance and coordination
• Providing better lighting so patients can see better
• Offering assistive devices, such as a walker or handrails, when necessary
• Encouraging appropriate clothing and footwear
• Assessing medications, especially if they make patients feel dizzy
  
  

Wandering Prevention

According to the Alzheimer's Association, AD causes people to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces. It’s common for a person living with dementia to wander or become lost or confused about their location, and it can happen at any stage of the disease. Six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once; many do so repeatedly.

The following tips may help reduce the risk of wandering:

• Provide opportunities for the person to engage in structured, meaningful activities throughout the day
• Identify the time of day the person is most likely to wander (for those who experience “sundowning,” this may be starting in the early evening.) Plan things to do during this time — activities and exercise may help reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness.
• Ensure all basic needs are met, including toileting, nutrition and hydration. Consider reducing – but not eliminating – liquids up to two hours before bedtime so the person doesn’t have to use and find the bathroom during the night.
• If the person is still safely able to drive, consider using a GPS device to help if they get lost.
• If the person is no longer driving, remove access to car keys — a person living with dementia may not just wander by foot. The person may forget that he or she can no longer drive.
• Place deadbolts out of the line of sight, either high or low, on exterior doors. (Do not leave a person living with dementia unsupervised in new or changed surroundings, and never lock a person in at home.)
• Use night lights throughout the home.
• Install warning bells above doors or use a monitoring device that signals when a door is opened.
• Place a pressure-sensitive mat in front of the door or at the person's bedside to alert you to movement.
• Label all doors with signs or symbols to explain the purpose of each room.
• Store items that may trigger a person’s instinct to leave, such as coats, hats, pocketbooks, keys and wallets.
• Consider enrolling the person living with dementia in a wandering response service.
• Ask neighbors, friends and family to call if they see the person wandering, lost or dressed inappropriately.
• Keep a recent, close-up photo of the person on hand to give to police, should the need arise.
  
  

Final Stages of Care

Nursing care for Alzheimer's patients becomes especially critical during the final stages. Skilled Nurses with extensive AD knowledge not only provide treatment to patients but also help families prepare for end-of-life decisions. They also provide emotional support to family members and provide suggestions for preparing for the final stages.

Click Here For Alzheimer's and Related Dementia Resources for Professionals

Patients with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) have unique needs. It is important Nurses know how to properly provide  care, and make health care more accessible for this population.

An IDD, includes many severe, chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. It usually lasts throughout a person's lifetime. People who have IDDs have problems with major life activities such as:

• Language
• Mobility
• Learning
• Self-help
• Independent living
  
  

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), IDDs encompass hundreds of diagnoses — autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome among them — that affect about 6.5 million people in the United States.

Research suggests that the attitudes of health care professionals are among the biggest barriers to people with IDDs receiving equitable access to services.

Nurses must provide care that enables people with complex care needs and difficulty with cognitive functioning to live fully with as much physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being as possible.

Here are some helpful guidelines for treating patients with mental and/or physical disabilities. 

• Speak directly with the patient, not to any companion that the patient may have.

A career as a Nurse Case Manager gives you the opportunity to make a huge impact on patient's lives and develop rewarding relationships.

The Case Manager's (CM) role is centered around working with patients and their families to make sure they are provided with appropriate health care providers, resources, and services so they receive the proper care they need. 

Primary responsibilities include:

• Evaluating a patient's medical history

• Acting as a liaison between patients, health care providers, and health insurers

• Creating care plans and scheduling appointments

• Educating patients and their families on relevant health-related matters

• Keeping track of health outcomes and suggesting possible treatment changes

“Because Nurses are trained to work on interdisciplinary teams and understand how to deal with patients’ psychosocial needs, they are the perfect choice to manage their care,” says Tracy Towne, PhD, faculty member at Purdue University Global School of Nursing. “It’s a more holistic approach to care and services, and it is an incredibly valuable role when it comes to supporting those with chronic illnesses.”

You’ll also be able to choose which area you would like to specialize. According to Western Governors University, some of the most common Case Management Nursing specializations are:

• Patient specialty—focuses on a specific patient population such as the elderly (geriatrics) or children (pediatrics).
• Service specialty—focuses on a specific service area such as hospice, home healthcare, or rehabilitation.
• Duration specialty—focuses on the length of patient care such as short-term injury rehabilitation or long-term illness management.
• Disease specialty—focuses on patients suffering from a specific disease or chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer, substance abuse, or mental illness.

Choosing to become a CM is a great choice for Nurses, since it is less physically demanding, has great pay, and is in high demand. 

According to Zippia, CMs in the Nursing field are expected to rise nearly 16% over the next ten years. This increase is due to the growing elderly population as well as a rise in those with chronic illnesses. 

The estimated average salary for a RN Case Manager is $107,568 per year in the United States, according to Glassdoor.

Becoming a Nurse CM requires a Registered Nurse (RN) license. It is more common to switch to case management later on in your RN career.

This role requires experience so it is suggested you advance your career with certification programs. Certifications aren't mandatory for employment, but they can increase your pay and make you more eligible for future job opportunities.

Interested in learning more about Case Management? Check out these resources:

Case Management Society of America

National Association of Case Management

American Case Management Association

The Higher Education Case Managers Association