Head Nurse Job Description
Head nurse job description and profile
A head nurse, in addition to providing patient care, also supervises the nursing operations in the hospital. The job of a head nurse is a very responsible one and requires dedication to the service of nursing and well being of the patients. The job also requires good leadership qualities.
Head nurse job duties and responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a head nurse are:
- Supervising the nursing staff and ensuring that they are performing as per the standards set by the hospital
- Working directly with patients and ensuring that they are well looked after
- Follow the doctor’s instructions to the letter in ensuring patient’s recovery process
- Overseeing the stores of the hospital and intimating the management if there is a shortage
- Assist and accompany the doctors while they visit patients
- Inform the doctor about the latest development in the patients
- Coordinate the nursing activities in the hospital
- Maintaining the records of the patient and ensuring that they are updated
- Examine and inspect the patient wards for cleanliness
- Training junior nurses and conducting orientation programs for the nursing staff
Head nurse skills and specifications
The skills and specifications required for a head nurse are:
- Excellent communication skills and a pleasing personality
- Excellent writing skills to prepare reports
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- A sound knowledge of nursing
- Well organized and disciplined manner of working
- Efficient in patient care as well as management skills
- Interacting with the nurses of different departments and coordinating their functions
- Ability to work under stress
- Good administrative skills
Head nurse education and qualifications
The education and qualifications of a head nurse are:
- A basic bachelor’s degree in nursing
- License from the state that is required to practice nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Exam
A head nurse must have five to six years of experience in nursing before getting promoted to the level of head nurse.
Head nurse salary
The median salary of the head nurse is $77,313 per year.