Nurse Care Coordinator (CCCTM)

Nursing Career Guide

Nurse Care Coordinator reviews a treatment plan with a patient in a hospital setting.
A Nurse Care Coordinator reviews a treatment plan with a patient in a hospital setting, acting as the central point of communication to ensure care is organized, understood, and aligned with the patient's needs.

Overview

What Is a Nurse Care Coordinator?

A Nurse Care Coordinator is a Registered Nurse (RN) who manages and organizes patient care across multiple healthcare providers and services. They serve as a central point of contact for patients, families, and medical teams to ensure care is delivered smoothly, efficiently, and with a focus on continuity and quality.

Nurse Care Coordinators often work with patients who have chronic illnesses, complex medical conditions, or are transitioning between levels of care. They help reduce hospital readmissions, improve patient outcomes, and enhance satisfaction by guiding patients through treatment plans and support services.

This role is ideal for nurses who excel at communication, problem-solving, and patient advocacy. It combines clinical knowledge with strong coordination skills to deliver effective, patient-centered care.

Education

How To Become a Nurse Care Coordinator

Becoming a Nurse Care Coordinator requires a combination of traditional nursing education, clinical work experience, certification, and specialized training in care management. Follow these steps to enter this challenging and rewarding healthcare career:

  1. Earn a Nursing Degree. Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is typically preferred for care coordination roles in hospitals and health systems.
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN. Obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse by passing the National Council Licensure Examination.
  3. Gain Clinical Experience. Work as an RN in medical-surgical, case management, or primary care settings to develop a strong foundation in patient care and collaboration.
  4. Develop Coordination Skills. Take continuing education in care coordination, chronic disease management, or transitional care planning.
  5. Optional Certification. Consider becoming certified as a Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCCTM) nurse through the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN) to validate your skills.

How long does it take to become a Nurse Care Coordinator? It typically takes 4-6 years to become a Nurse Care Coordinator, including nursing education and clinical experience. Optional certifications can enhance job prospects and support advancement into leadership roles.

Nurse Care Coordinator leads a group discussion in a long-term care setting.
A Nurse Care Coordinator leads a group discussion in a long-term care setting, helping residents stay informed about care services, community resources, and ongoing support needs.

Average Salary

How Much Does a Nurse Care Coordinator Make?

Salaries for Nurse Care Coordinators vary depending on the healthcare setting, region, and experience level. On average, a Nurse Care Coordinator can expect to earn between $70,000 and $90,000 annually.

Average annual salary for a Nurse Care Coordinator:

  • Entry-level: $70,000 - $75,000 per year.
  • Mid-career: $75,000 - $85,000 per year.
  • Experienced: $85,000 - $90,000+ per year.

The U.S. Department of Labor groups Nurse Care Coordinators under Registered Nurses, who earn an average of $87,360 annually. Those working in case management, insurance companies, or managed care organizations may earn above-average salaries due to the role's complexity and impact.

Career advancement for Nurse Care Coordinators often involves transitioning into roles such as Case Management Supervisor, Director of Care Coordination, or Clinical Nurse Manager. Others may specialize further in areas like chronic disease management, utilization review, or population health. Some Nurse Care Coordinators also move into healthcare administration, policy development, or quality improvement leadership positions within hospitals and managed care organizations.

Job Duties

What Does a Nurse Care Coordinator Do?

Nurse Care Coordinators are responsible for overseeing every aspect of a patient's care journey, from hospital admission to home recovery or chronic disease management. They ensure that care is delivered in the right place, at the right time, and by the right providers. The most common job duties of a Nurse Care Coordinator include:

  • Assessing Patient Needs. Evaluate patients' clinical, social, and psychological needs to develop personalized care plans.
  • Coordinating Services. Schedule appointments, facilitate referrals, and manage communication between healthcare providers and specialists.
  • Managing Transitions of Care. Help patients transition between hospital, rehabilitation, home, and outpatient care to avoid readmissions and complications.
  • Educating Patients and Families. Provide information on medications, home care, follow-up instructions, and community resources.
  • Monitoring Progress. Track outcomes, document patient responses, and adjust care plans to ensure effective treatment and recovery.
  • Facilitating Insurance and Billing Issues. Work with case managers and insurance representatives to verify coverage and reduce barriers to care.
  • Promoting Preventive Care. Encourage adherence to wellness screenings, vaccination schedules, and lifestyle changes that improve long-term health.
  • Advanced Duties. Experienced Nurse Care Coordinators may lead quality improvement initiatives, mentor new staff, or oversee population health programs.

Nurse Care Coordinators typically split their time between patient-facing interactions and behind-the-scenes coordination tasks. Their day may involve meeting with patients and families in hospital rooms or outpatient settings, followed by phone calls with specialists, reviewing lab results, and updating electronic health records. While some work independently, many collaborate with case managers, social workers, and administrative staff to ensure seamless care transitions and address potential barriers to recovery.

Nurse Care Coordinator collaborates with a physician to review a patient's care plan.
A Nurse Care Coordinator collaborates with a physician to review a patient's care plan, ensuring that treatment is well-organized and aligned with the patient's needs across the continuum of care.

Essential Skills

What Skills Does a Nurse Care Coordinator Need?

Nurse Care Coordinators must combine clinical knowledge with organizational and interpersonal skills. Their ability to manage care plans, collaborate with providers, and advocate for patients makes them essential members of the healthcare team. Here are some of the skills a Nurse Care Coordinator needs to succeed:

  • Clinical Knowledge. Understand a wide range of medical conditions, treatment protocols, and nursing interventions to coordinate appropriate care.
  • Communication. Clearly communicate with patients, families, and healthcare providers across multiple disciplines.
  • Organizational Skills. Manage multiple patient care plans, appointments, and documentation responsibilities with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Problem-Solving. Identify and resolve care barriers, such as transportation issues, medication adherence, or lack of follow-up.
  • Patient Advocacy. Represent patients' best interests, ensuring they understand their care and receive necessary services.
  • Team Collaboration. Work closely with physicians, social workers, therapists, and insurance providers to deliver cohesive care.
  • Technology Use. Utilize electronic health records (EHR), care coordination software, and telehealth platforms for documentation and communication.
  • Cultural Competence. Address diverse patient backgrounds and health literacy levels with empathy and respect.

One of the biggest challenges of being a Nurse Care Coordinator is managing complex care plans across fragmented systems. A single patient might need follow-ups with multiple specialists, medication adjustments, transportation assistance, and insurance approvals, all of which must be tracked and communicated clearly. By applying their full range of skills, Nurse Care Coordinators help ensure nothing falls through the cracks, improving outcomes and the overall patient experience.

Work Environment

Where Does a Nurse Care Coordinator Work?

Nurse Care Coordinators work across a variety of healthcare settings to help patients navigate complex treatment plans, manage chronic conditions, and connect with appropriate services. Their role involves close collaboration with healthcare teams, patients, and families to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. The most common workplaces for a Nurse Care Coordinator include:

  • Hospitals. Coordinate discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care to ensure smooth transitions from hospital to home or other facilities.
  • Primary Care Clinics. Monitor patient progress between visits, manage referrals, and help patients adhere to treatment and medication plans.
  • Specialty Practices. Support patients with complex conditions such as cancer, heart failure, or diabetes by coordinating multi-provider care and education.
  • Insurance and Managed Care Organizations. Work with case managers to approve services, reduce readmissions, and guide members toward preventive care.
  • Home Health and Community Programs. Assist patients and families with care planning and resource access in home-based care or community outreach settings.

Most Nurse Care Coordinators work during regular business hours in outpatient or office-based settings, though some may be on call or travel for home visits. Their day typically involves reviewing charts, coordinating with providers, communicating with patients, and documenting care plans in electronic health systems.

Last updated: May 17, 2025

Nursing Careers

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