HEAD NURSE

 DEFINITION:

 Under direction, has charge of the nursing care of a unit, 
 a division of a unit, or a clinical department and assumes
 appropriate responsibilities as assigned by a supervisor;
 does related work as required.

 NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for
 illustrative purposes only.  A particular position using this title
 may not  perform  all  duties  listed in this job specification.  
 Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

 EXAMPLES OF WORK:

 Interprets and enforces hospital policies and procedures.

 Plans nursing service in the unit within the limit of existing
 policies.

 Assigns duties to subordinate personnel based on patient
 care needs, available staff, and unit needs.

 Supervises all nursing activities related to patients and patient
 care in the unit.

 Develops effective work methods and work schedules.

 Is responsible for the execution of doctors' orders.

 Participates in developing effective methods of implementing
 doctors' orders and interprets to the personnel such orders.

 Gives direct nursing care to patients.

 Confers with and reports to the physicians the patients'  
 needs, preferences, and progress.

 Is responsible for the accurate reporting and recording of
 patients' symptoms, reactions, and progress.

 Promotes and participates in rehabilitation programs
 for patients.

 Is responsible for the handling, requisitioning, dispensing, 
 use of, and recording of narcotics, medications, and supplies 
 in the unit.

 Evaluates the work performance and attributes of nursing
 personnel and prepares reports and recommendations for
 supervision.

 Instructs and orients new staff members and continuously
 interprets and instructs personnel for higher standards.

 Participates, through proper channels, in  planning for budget
 organization, utilization of physical facilities, use of supplies
 and materials, and standards of patient care and objectives.

 Is responsible for the instruction and care for students and
 volunteer workers assigned to the unit.
 
 Maintains a dignified professional association with hospital
 personnel and the public.

 Participates  actively  in civic, educational,  and  professional
 organizations.

 Will  be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
 and/or manual recording and computerized information systems 
 used by  the agency, office, or related units.

 REQUIREMENTS:

 EXPERIENCE:

 One (1) year of experience as a professional nurse in a hospital
 or other institution, clinic, or medical center.

 LICENSE:

 Applicants must possess a license as a Registered Nurse valid
 in New Jersey.

 Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license
 valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather
 than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential
 duties of the  position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 Knowledge  of principles, procedures, and methods of professional
 nursing and hospital organization.

 Knowledge of organizing assigned nursing and supervisory work 
 and developing effective work methods.

 Knowledge of sterilization, immunization, and diagnoses.

 Knowledge of the preparation and maintenance of accurate
 medical and other records.

 Knowledge  of the precaution to be taken in the use of
 narcotics and other medications and treatments.

 Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret professional
 nursing problems.

 Ability to organize assigned nursing and supervisory work.

 Ability to develop effective work methods.

 Ability to give suitable assignments and instructions.

 Ability to work harmoniously with associates.

 Ability to develop suitable work schedules for assigned
 employees.

 Ability to handle, dispense, direct the use of, and keep records
 of narcotics, medications, and other supples.

 Ability to apply the principles, procedures, and  practices of
 nursing to specific cases.

 Ability to observe and  report  symptoms and conditions of
 patients.

 Ability to administer medications.

 Ability to prepare requisitions for medications, equipment,  
 and supplies.

 Ability to direct the keeping of clear, sound, accurate, and
 informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and
 recommendations.

 Ability to maintain essential records and files.

 Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or
 manual recording and information systems used by the
 agency, office, or related units.

 Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate
 in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
 American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered
 as acceptable forms of  communication.

 Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long
 as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without
 reasonable accommodation.  If the accommodation cannot be 
 made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, 
 such persons may not be eligible.

This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
Job
Spec
Code
Variant
State,
Local or
Common
Class of
Service
Work
Week
State
Class
Code
Local
Class
Code
Salary
Range
Note
01960
L
C
  
N/A
20
-

This job specification is for local government use only.
Salary range is only applicable to state government.
Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions.

 5/31/2011