Requirements to Become a Head Nurse in College Station
A head nurse is a management position. This supervisory job is a step above staff nurse . With this advancement comes more responsibility and higher salary. Head nurses are usually responsible for several aspects of a nursing unit including personnel, resources, and patient care. In addition to directing and promoting the nursing staff, head nurses support the implementation of standards of nursing practice and guidelines of care. Whether working in a hospital or long term care facility, College Station requires certain qualifications.
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Education
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A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required. Registered nurses must complete a degree program. Although a bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement for employers in College Station, a master's degree is preferred. The program helps nurses to develop and further their communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Many colleges offer online courses to complete the bachelor's degree in nursing. Make sure the degree is from an accredited college to receive credit of completion. Most schools offer a bachelor's degree in as little as three years with a master's in four. Contact the college of choice to get specifics in regards to qualifications, prerequisites, financial aid, and degree programs.
Experience
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Three to five years of experience in a care facility is preferred. Generally to become a head nurse in College Station, experience in a hospital or long term care facility is preferred. Employers typically look for the three to five year range of related nursing experience. Nurses should be able to effectively analyze, listen, negotiate, and collaborate. Assertiveness and self-reliance is desired to be in management. The head nurse should have a compassionate approach when dealing with patients and staff. According to www.nurse.com, "The goal of a nurse manager is to facilitate and deliver quality nursing care as well as to coordinate and manage the environment in which the care is delivered". A nurse's experience should reflect the ability to perform management duties.
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Characteristics
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Responsibility and leadership are qualities to be a head nurse. Certain personality traits contribute to make a good head nurse. Personal satisfaction, power, and recognition bring about opportunities for advancement. Proper communication and leadership ability is important. The nurse should be well organized, calm and compassionate, and be able to demonstrate both logical and innovative approaches to solve problems. Being able to perform several tasks at one time shows responsibility and leadership. The nurse manager should be able to foster sound relationships with other disciplines in nursing to create a patient-centered environment. A friendly attitude is a plus. College Station has been awarded for its friendly nurses. KBTX wrote an article in 2007 in which says, that the "Texas Nursing Association awarded the College Station Medical Center with a Nurse Friendly Designation". Possession of these traits will certainly advance the nurse to a management position, however, the most desirable traits are that of capability and confidence. If nurses do not trust themselves, their staff and patients won't either.
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References
- Photo Credit Nurse image by Maria Bell from Fotolia.com Blank award certificate form image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com empty exam room image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com the nurse with a mask on face sits at a table image by Cosmic from Fotolia.com
