Regardless of where case managers practice, they share a common process. According to the Commission for Case Manager Certification, “Case management is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the options and services required to meet an individual’s health needs, using communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes.” Although this definition sounds similar to the nursing process, case managers may be social workers, rehabilitation counselors, mental health professionals, or other allied-health professionals.

Nurses with case-management experience are highly prized by prospective employers. But if you’re new to the field, don’t discount the value of your experience at the bedside or in home health. Although some employers seek candidates with highly specialized clinical experience, such as HIV disease or organ transplantation, most employers want case managers with a broad clinical background. Nurses with experience in home care, discharge planning, or with a wide variety of patients are well positioned to get an initial interview.

Many providers need case managers to coordinate care for elderly patients with complex chronic conditions. Emphasize your experience in these areas when you write your cover letter and during the interview. Demonstrate that you have cared for patients with serious comorbidities over the long course of their chronic illness, including diagnosis, treatment, complications, exacerbations, and care at life’s end. Show that you understand the impact illness has on the patient and family’s life beyond your limited contact with them during a brief hospitalization.

Accent the Positive

Regardless of your clinical experience, stress the skills you use in your current position that will translate into successful case management. According to Norma Mailand, RN, ND, an independent consultant experienced with case management, effective case managers are self-starters and self-directed. They use critical thinking to solve problems and have excellent communication skills. “Come to the interview prepared to describe clinical incidents that prove your mastery of these useful skills,” says Mailand.

Bette Case, RNC, PhD, an independent healthcare education consultant, considers successful case managers powered by three major attributes – being observant, adaptive, and resourceful. Case managers need keen assessment skills. “Most important, evaluate your patients’ response to treatment and their willingness and ability to adhere to the therapeutic plan,” says Case. “Truly managing care requires continually adjusting your plan of care to the observed responses to treatment.” If your background is in acute care and you are interviewing for a case-management position, show how you have used your assessment skills to interpret the reasons why a patient is an outlier to a critical path and how you remedied the situation.

Case encourages case managers to be adaptable. “Be willing to let go of your old ways of doing things, continue to let go, and incorporate new ways of doing things,” she says. “This idea applies to every aspect of care, including how to use the ever-changing technology most efficiently and effectively.” In an interview, give examples of how you have modified your care to suit the patient’s needs or recommended new ways of doing things.

Successful case managers are knowledgeable about professional and community resources, and they continually refresh their knowledge through a commitment to lifelong learning. “The key to effectiveness and efficiency,” says Case, “is matching the patient’s needs with appropriate resources.” In an interview, demonstrate that you are familiar with resources beyond the confines of your unit, and more important, illustrate that you have made suitable referrals.

Don’t be afraid to demonstrate your knowledge of how the patient’s healthcare benefits affect your strategies for care. If you are currently a hospital-based nurse, how have you customized your discharge plans for patients based on their healthcare benefits? Or if you are a home-health nurse, how have you adapted your care plans to stay within the parameters of managed-care benefits or referred patients to community-based resources for additional services not covered by their health plan?