How to Become a Nurse Care Coordinator
Nurse care coordinators guide patients and their families through each step of the healthcare process and serve as liaisons between patients and all medical disciplines. The steps to become a nurse care coordinator include education, testing, and licensing, after which nurse care coordinators can pursue employment. Below, we’ll detail the steps to follow, how long it takes to become a nurse care coordinator, and where to start.
Become a Nurse Care Coordinator in 6 Steps
To become a nurse care coordinator, candidates must first become licensed registered nurses (RNs). While not mandatory, they can pursue certification in a specialty after a few years of bedside experience.
4
Work as a Registered Nurse
Before an RN can begin work as a nurse care coordinator, they must first gain a few years of bedside clinical experience. Any field can provide helpful experience for a future career in care coordination.
5
Apply for Nurse Care Coordinator Nursing Jobs
After spending some time at the bedside, nurses can apply for nurse care coordinator positions.
6
Earn Nurse Care Coordinator Certification
After some bedside experience, nurse care coordinators may pursue specialty certification in their field through the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN). While not always required for work in this field, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers.
Schooling Requirements for Nurse Care Coordinators
Nurse care coordinators must be registered nurses, a title earned by graduating with a BSN degree.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) gives future nurse care coordinators a well-rounded education experience. Typically completed over four years, the BSN curriculum covers the basics of nursing care and how the body works, but also teaches more specialized critical thinking skills.
A BSN prepares aspiring nurse care coordinators to handle a high level of critical thinking. This degree teaches high-level concepts like evidence-based practice, community health nursing, statistics used in research, nursing management and leadership, health informatics and analysis, healthcare ethics, and nutrition.
Nurse Care Coordinator Licensing
Once a new nursing graduate has earned their degree, they must apply for licensure. Nurse care coordinators must apply for a registered nurse license to practice. To become a licensed and practicing nurse in any state, all nursing graduates must pass the state licensing exam (the NCLEX-RN) and apply for a state license.
NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination–RN (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based exam with 85 to 150 questions. The exam takes anywhere from one hour to a maximum of five hours. Questions fall into four basic categories:
1. Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. Psychosocial Integrity
4. Physiological Integrity
Once completed, the state board of nursing sends test results within six weeks, usually by email. In the time leading up to the NCLEX-RN, it’s important for graduates to study practice questions to ensure a passing grade and many students take NCLEX prep courses to increase their likelihood of success.
Registered Nurse State License Application and Renewal
Each state in the U.S. has a unique registered nurse licensing application process. The state board of nursing will want proof of an NCLEX passing result and a diploma from an accredited nursing program. Most states require criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and some may want to see university transcripts.
In most states, RNs must renew their license every two years after initial licensure. Each state has varying requirements for continuing education and other documentation needed for renewal. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a wealth of information on registered nurse licensing requirements by state.
Specialty Certification
Nurse care coordinators may choose to pursue specialty certifications through the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN), which offers its Certified in Care Coordination & Transition Management (CMSRN) credential. A few other organizations offer care coordinator specialties, but for renewal only.
Where Do Nurse Care Coordinators Work?
Nurse care coordinators can find employment in a wide range of organizations. These may include:
- Hospitals
- Private medical practices
- Insurance companies
- Home health care
- Long-term care facilities
FAQs: How to Become a Nurse Care Coordinator
1.What education is needed to become a nurse care coordinator?
Nurse care coordinators must graduate with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university.
2. How many years does it take to become a nurse care coordinator?
To become a nurse care coordinator, you must complete an undergraduate degree, which takes four years, and have two to three years of bedside experience.
3. What are the steps to become a nurse care coordinator?
To become a nurse care coordinator, candidates must apply to and graduate from an accredited nursing school with a BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, and apply for and receive a nursing license in their state. After these steps, they may apply to nurse care coordinator positions and pursue specialty certification.
4. How much do nurse care coordinators make an hour?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse care coordinators earn an average of $45.42 per hour, which equals about $94,480 annually. Nurses with an advanced degree will be able to earn more.
