HEADNURSE A head nurse oversees nursing activities in a range of health care settings, such as clinics, hospitals and nursing

homes. To qualify for head nurse roles, a candidate must become a registered nurse (RN) by completing an undergraduate degree from an accredited university or nursing school and passing a licensing exam. In addition to nursing education, a head nurse typically requires leadership skills and a compassionate nature. Nursing Duties A head nurse is expected to undertake normal nursing duties when staff resources are lacking. Typical duties in this role include monitoring patients' vital signs, administering medication and changing wound dressings. Administration Role A head nurse initiates and maintains work schedules for the nursing staff in her department. In addition to assigning duties and organizing shift patterns, she ensures medical records are securely stored and accurately maintained. Maintaining Standards Head nurses assess general hospital ward areas and patients' rooms to ensure they are kept in a hygienic and comfortable state. They accompany doctors on their rounds of patient visits and take notes of any special instructions with regard to treatment or care changes. Head nurses also ensure all care and treatment activity is carried out in strict accordance with state regulations. Hospital Inventories Head nurses are responsible for ordering drugs, medical solutions and equipment needed for patient care. They also must keep accurate records of the amounts and types of medication administered to individual patients so they can assess recovery times and speak to physicians about treatment changes when necessary. Staff Supervision A head nurse oversees nurses administering medication to ensure all regimens are in strict accordance with the physician's instructions, as stated on the Career Planner website. Head nurses are ultimately responsible for the quality of the work performed by nursing staff. They evaluate work activities such as the maintenance of patient records, end-of-shift reports and prescribed treatment records. Head nurses also identify and resolve any conflicts among nursing staff members to ensure a positive work environment is maintained. Staff Development Head nurses ensure nurses are fully trained and capable of performing the duties assigned to them. They also assist in preparing training materials and techniques for nurses failing to perform their duties correctly and for those recently hired.

Patient Complaints Head nurses field complaints from patients or their relatives regarding issues with nursing care or the efficacy of treatment regimens. If a head nurse cannot deal with the complaint herself, she might refer it to the director of nursing or the facility administrator.

Read more: Head Nurse Duties & Responsibilities | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6758681_head-nurse-dutiesresponsibilities.html#ixzz2DECQYgHJ 1. Supervises and evaluates the quality of patient care through frequent rounds 2. Oversees the action of assigned staff nurse, medication nurse and chart nurse. 3. Familiarized and take care of the emergency cart. 4. Takes note of the special procedures for the patients within the unit. 5. Keep superiors informed regarding the problems and issues in patient care with the nursing unit. 6. Participates in the selection of nursing staff for the unit. 7. Presents changes or innovations to staff in a positive manner. 8. Provides conducive climate for work and maintains effective communication within the unit department. 9. Makes the 24 hrs. nursing report of the unit. 10. Checks daily time record of the staff. STAFF NURSE Staff nurses manage the care and recovery of patients who are ill or injured, and are often the first people patients and visitors encounter in hospitals or other medical facilities. These nurses record patients vital signs, assess their medical conditions and report their findings to doctors. This is a challenging career requiring physical, mental and emotional strength Nurses work under doctors orders to act as advocates for their patients, administer injections and medication, and reduce their suffering as much as possible. Such nurses also help doctors during diagnostic testing. Although most people in this role work at hospitals and other medical facilities, many travel to community sites or patients homes Candidates must finish a basic training programme and become registered under the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

1. Should know the patient very well. 2. Should always establish rapport with the patient. 3. Assess the patients needs for care based on the patient\u2019s history, results of physical examinations, diagnosis, and laboratory exams. 4. Filling up the request admissions 5.Oversees the activities of the 3rd year nursing students. 6. Make part of the endorsement for the shift. 7. Proper endorsement (detailed, clear, and updated) of the patient\u2019s incoming shift. 8. Demonstrate god nursing in caring of patients 9.Acts as a role model to fellow students. 10. Makes a nursing care plan for the patient he/she handled.