Nursing as a professional endeavor has always been divided into a variety of specialties and occupational roles within a medical setting. Unquestionably, it is of paramount importance to establish proper communication between nurses of all specialties to secure the beneficial development and support of the general community.
Still, the support and education in terms of separate professional areas of nursing should be emphasized in the context of networking and communicating with people who understand every issue that might be encountered during the working process. The primary goal of this paper is to provide a brief overview of a nursing association practicing in the field of case management – the American Case Management Association (ACMA). The summary will include primary goals, vision, opportunities for networking, and continuing education.
Organization Overview
When speaking of case management in nursing, it is essential to dwell on case management nurses’ primary area of responsibilities. Registered Nurse (RN) case managers are nurses accountable for the long-term treatment planning for the patients who require a health care plan (NurseJournal, 2021). Hence, it is vital for case managers to continually learn about the possibilities of acquiring help both within and outside the facilities to ensure the most efficient way of providing health care to the patients. To make sure nurses have somebody to consult with every time they face a challenge of creating a proper treatment plan, case managers address the community of colleagues who exchange their experience and new findings in the field.
A prime example of such an organization is the American Case Management Association, aimed at bringing together case managers from across the United States. Founded in 1999, the organization outlined a mission to become a central association for case management professionals by providing the ability to share valuable knowledge and obtain skills in terms of professional activities (ACMA, n.d.). When speaking of the organization’s purpose, the ACMA (n.d.) is primarily focused on achieving such goals as mentorship, education, resource provision, peer support, and promotion of policies beneficial for the occupation.
The organization’s leaders see ACMA as a space for knowledge exchange, representing case management as a sophisticated endeavor that requires cooperation between nurses, physicians, social workers, patients, caregivers, payers, and the community (ACMA, n.d.). In such a way, the organization emphasizes the importance of case management in the health care paradigm. It encourages RN case managers to pay much attention to the scope of their competence and professional development. The major advantages of membership include the ability to obtain financial aid in terms of insurance, travel, and training, as well as access to up-to-date case management tools and databases.
Organization’s Role in Networking
All the benefits mentioned above of joining the organization are beneficial for the nurses’ professional development, access to information, and awareness of the changes in the field. One of the most beneficial aspects of being a member of a specialty organization is communication with fellow practitioners to find advice, support, or mentorship. Indeed, researchers claim that networking with nursing colleagues serves as a significant catalyst for implementing valuable insights into the local practice (Alfes & Madigan, 2017). When considering the ACMA from the perspective of networking, it would be safe to assume that this organization is, by all means, an asset for any US-located RN case manager.
First, the organization allows members to communicate during the numerous conferences and seminars held by the ACMA administration. Second, the organization membership provides nurses with the ability to the around-the-clock online communication services. Finally, one of the most significant aspects of ACMA’s networking profile is the introduction of Chapters. ACMA Chapters aims to create a case management peer community in every state for the professionals to quickly find the support they need to solve the issue or address treatment.
Organization and Changes to Practice
It is vital for the organization to be able to keep the members informed in terms of major health care changes and practice modifications because, in such a way, they secure prosperity for the chosen specialty. As far as ACMA is concerned, the members of the organization can learn about the latest advancements in the field of management every week in a personalized e-mail (ACMA, n.d.). Moreover, the official website of the organization posts specialty news daily. Finally, members have instant access to all the essential documents such as standards of case management practice, having the opportunity to work according to the latest requirements in the field.
Opportunities for Continuing Education and Growth
Regarding the opportunities for professional growth, the organization secures access to a variety of webinars, educational conferences, and peer knowledge exchange for every member of the case management community. Furthermore, ACMA members can use some of the up-to-date case management tools, including access to the instant web database, mobile applications, and the National Hospital Case Management and Transitions of Care Survey. Having access to all kinds of case management-related information, nurses can immediately share and analyze received information with colleagues to secure insightful outcomes.
Conclusion
Professional nursing organizations have already proved to be an integral part of nursing practice and interpersonal communication in the health care context. In terms of the following paper, the American Case Management Association, one of the leading professional organizations in case management, was analyzed based on efficiency and benefits for its members. As a result, it was defined that ACMA members had the unique opportunity to receive a proper education, network, and improve their professional skills utilizing a single platform.
References
Alfes, C. M., & Madigan, E. A. (2017). Promoting simulation globally: Networking with nursing colleagues across five continents. Nursing Education Perspectives, 38(4), 216-217.
American Case Management Association. (n.d.). About. Web.