Job Description & Responsibilities of a Head Nurse

Qualifications

As head nurse you would be expected to have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing. It is possible to become a staff nurse with an associate's degree, but the level of seniority of head nurse means that employers tend to demand more advanced qualifications. All nurses have to pass the licensing examination run by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Skills

You must display a sound understanding of nursing practice, as you are responsible for the care of all patients in your unit. A head nurse also requires a high level of people skills, as she interacts frequently with doctors, hospital managers, other nurses, patients and patients' families. All patients must be treated with kindness and respect, and the head nurse must be able to role-model these qualities at all times. In addition, the job includes a number of administrative duties and a lot of reporting and paperwork. The head nurse should be well organized and a clear communicator.

Responsibilities

The head nurse is responsible for supervising the work of the nurses on her team and for ensuring that they have the appropriate training and direction. She works with doctors to prepare and follow individual care plans for each patient, and updates the doctors regularly on progress and any changes in patients' conditions. The head nurse also cares for patients directly herself, builds relationships with them and ensures that they are well cared for.

Experience

The traditional route to becoming a head nurse is after at least five years of experience as a staff nurse. If you are a staff nurse who would like to develop your nursing career and become head nurse, it is advisable to gain as much varied experience as possible. Accept shifts in different departments and perhaps apply to become a charge nurse.