What Are the Functions of a Nurse Manager?
A nurse manager---formerly known as a head nurse---is the registered nurse (RN) responsible for the 24/7 business and clinical operations of a particular nursing unit, such as an intensive care unit or an outpatient surgery center.
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Identification
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The National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) says a nurse manager has a role analogous to that of a chief executive officer of a small company. She has to balance available resources with the needs of patients and staff to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Responsibilities
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According to NSNA, the nurse manager's job functions fall within five areas: personnel, quality, service, business growth and financial solvency.
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Skills
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An effective nurse manager is flexible, consistent and approachable. He encourages shared decision-making, ensuring that staff nurses have a voice in decisions that impact their daily practice.
Hierarchy
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A nurse manager is a middle manager within a hospital or other health care organization. She supervises direct care clinicians, reports to a nursing director, and is a colleague with other health care managers who oversee areas such as radiology and pharmacy.
Considerations
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A nurse manager works collaboratively with other managers to develop processes and procedures that ensure patient care reflects the organization's mission and values.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Logan Ingalls
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Comments
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When the operational manager promoted me to this role, the operation manager encouraged me by saying "You'll fit in this role well. I'll equip you and put your competencies up! Let's get started." I thought, "I might turn in to an old woman in no time."
