Head Nurse

Purpose of Position

Under general supervision, directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing regimen for patients/clients within an assigned unit involving the diagnosis and treatment of responses to actual or potential health problems by means of nursing methods and techniques such as case-finding, health teaching, health counseling, and the provision of care supportive to and restorative of life and well-being. Schedules, assigns, guides, directs, and instructs nursing personnel in nursing activities.

• Performs major duties and functions as described in the Staff Nurse position description.
• Identifies and discriminates between physical and psycho-social signs and symptoms. Selects and performs therapeutic measures essential for effective execution of the nursing regimen for assigned patients/clients.
• Develops, implements, and continuously evaluates the nursing regimen for assigned patients/clients.
• Records and maintains nursing care plans and progress notes on patients/clients to ensure continuity of care.
• Interprets and reports responses of patients/clients to appropriate members of the health team.
• Participates with interdisciplinary health team members to plan a comprehensive patient care program.
• Determines and assigns components of the nursing regimen that may be carried out by allied nursing personnel.
• Provides teaching, guidance, and direction to allied nursing personnel in rendering patient care.
• Participates in defining, implementing, maintaining, and interpreting standards of nursing practice.
• Participates in departmental and interdisciplinary conferences pertaining to policies and procedures affecting nursing practice.
• Participates in determining conditions, resources, and policies essential to the delivery of nursing care services.
• Participates in development and maintenance of a system of evaluation of nursing care, practices, and procedures, including evaluation of nursing personnel.
• Interprets philosophy and objectives of the agency and Nursing Department to patients/clients, families, and other groups.
• Maintains professional competence through participation in continuing education and other appropriate learning experiences.
• Performs other professional nursing activities as delegated by nursing service administration.
• Coordinates, guides, and directs the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of the nursing regimen for patients/clients within the unit.
• Coordinates the preparation and maintenance of nursing care plans and progress notes on patients/clients to ensure continuity of care.
• Reviews and analyzes trends pertinent to delivery of nursing care services within the unit and initiates appropriate innovations or makes recommendations for needed changes.

• A valid New York State license and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
• Holds, or obtains through facility orientation, a valid and current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).
• One (1) year of experience as a registered nurse.