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Head Nurse

Job Overview

Distinguishing Features Of the Class

These duties primarily involve responsibility for maintaining high standards of professional nursing services on a resident care unit twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Incumbents in this class differs from a Supervising Nurse in the development of a residents care plan based on medical evaluations and the availability of services, and the continuing assessment of the residents condition,  whereas the  Supervising Nurse is responsible for overall administration and personnel of a shift. The work is performed under general supervision of Supervising Nurse with wide latitude for instructing, planning and making assignments to subordinates.  Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

  • Assesses resident nursing care needs, develops and carries out a nursing care plan and evaluates its effectiveness;
  • Assists nursing administration in establishing and implementing resident care policies within an assigned unit;
  • Recommends appropriate staffing needed to carry out resident care;
  • Explains resident care being given to the  resident and family;
  • Reacts to emergency situations and where warranted arranges for transfer to the hospital;
  • Instructs assigned staff in providing resident care;
  • Works with medical staff in care and treatment of residents;
  • Maintains residents care records;
  • Orients new personnel, attends and assists in-service programs;
  • Coordinates the activities of subordinates in the care of residents and the administration of medication and treatments on assigned units;
  • Maintains an assortment of medical equipment needed in resident care;
  • Evaluates nursing staff of the unit.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

  • Thorough knowledge of professional nursing techniques and their relation to medical and surgical practices and skill in their application;
  • Thorough knowledge of resident care management;
  • Good knowledge of medical supplies and equipment needed on a unit;
  • Ability to secure the cooperation of others;
  • Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;
  • Ability to understand and carry out technical oral and written instructions;
  • Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications: Either

  1. Two years’ experience as a Registered Professional Nurse; OR,
  2. One year experience as a Registered Professional Nurse and five years experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse with charge nurse responsibilities; OR,
  3. One year experience as a Registered Professional Nurse and three years experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse in a Residential Health Care Facility.

Special Requirement

Eligibility for a license issued by the State of New York to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse.  Possession of the license at the time of appointment.

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