Head nurses and supervisors supervise and co-ordinate the activities of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other nursing personnel in the provision of patient care. They are employed in health care institutions such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes and in nursing agencies.
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- Acute care co-ordinator –nursing
- Assistant head nurse
- Birthing room nursing supervisor
- Burn unit nursing co-ordinator
- Burn unit nursing supervisor
- Co-ordinator of nursing services
- Co-ordinator, nursing
- Co-ordinator, nursing unit
- Critical care nursing supervisor
- Delivery room nursing supervisor
- Geriatric nursing supervisor
- Head nurse
- Head nurse, operating room
- Nurse supervisor –military
- Nursing care co-ordinator
- Nursing co-ordinator
- Nursing services co-ordinator
- Nursing supervisor
- Nursing supervisor, operating room
- Nursing unit co-ordinator
- Nursing unit supervisor
- Nursing ward supervisor
- Obstetrical nursing supervisor
- Operating room head nurse
- Operating room nursing supervisor
- Patient care co-ordinator –nursing
- Psychiatric nursing supervisor
- Public health nursing supervisor
- Rehabilitation nursing supervisor
- Supervisor, nursing
- Supervisor, nursing ward
- Surgical co-ordinator –nursing
- Surgical ward supervisor –nursing
- Ward supervisor –nursing
Main Duties
Head nurses and supervisors perform some or all of the following duties:
- Supervise registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other nursing personnel
- Evaluate patients' needs and ensure that required nursing care is delivered
- Set up and co-ordinate nursing services in conjunction with other health services
- Ensure quality nursing care is provided and appropriate administrative procedures are followed
Assist in the establishment of unit policies and procedures
- Administer nursing unit budget and ensure that supplies and equipment are available
- Assist in the selection, evaluation and professional development of nursing personnel
- Collaborate on research projects related to nursing and medical care and multidisciplinary services
- May provide direct patient care.
Employment Requirements
- Completion of a university, college or other approved registered nursing program is required.
- Courses in management studies such as the Nursing Unit Administration Course offered by the Canadian Hospital Association or other degree, diploma, certificate or studies in management or administration may be required.
- Registration as a registered nurse by a provincial or territorial regulatory body or, in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, provincial registration as a registered psychiatric nurse is required.
- Clinical experience as a registered nurse is required.