There are many definitions of Nurse Case Managers according to the professional case management organizations such as the Commission for Case Management Certification (CCMC) and the American Case Management Association (ACMA); however, these professional definition often are too complex and confusing to the patient.
Essentially, the definition of the Nurse Case Manager is a registered nurse who helps the patient navigate the healthcare and community setting providing health care services in which will assist them in returning back to the lowest level of care possible, whether it be at post-acute care, a skilled nursing facility, or at home.
Seems as simple as can be but during this weeks exercise, it was harder than I thought. Even the simplest way of defining what a nurse case manager does, it still remains confusing for out patients. With that being said, I would imagine that, with the numerous amount of people walking in and out of that patients door, roles becomes forgotten or even blurred. It’s important to really listen and answer the patients questions as thoroughly as possible and follow up, follow through in order to really define your role as a case manager.
In regards to interviewing a patient as a case manager, problems that may arise would include cultural differences, language barriers, and health literacy. All of these problems will make the interview difficult that may cause minor or major impacts to their healthcare. Although being a culturally competent case manager and having an interpreter present will be beneficial, its difficult to know all cultures which in turns shows the complexity of how culture impacts health. However, being thorough in the assessment, asking the right questions, allowing sufficient time for interview, and perhaps involving a trusted family member may prove to be decrease some limitations and therefore provide better patient care services.
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