The Role of a Nurse Manager
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Responsibilities
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The nurse manager is responsible for the quality, cost-effectiveness and safety of patient care on his unit. In order to do this, he needs to recruit professional nurses, engage them in decision-making about their daily practice and monitor patient outcomes.
Functions
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The primary function of a nurse manager is to ensure optimal patient outcomes on her unit. A good nurse manager wears many hats as an expert clinician, a mentor and support for her staff and a tireless advocate for patients and families.
Skills
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A seasoned nurse manager has a strong foundation in clinical practice, excellent people skills, commendable negotiating abilities, sound fiscal strategies and a great sense of humor.
Hierarchy
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A nurse manager is considered part of middle management because he supervises direct care providers and reports to a nursing administrator.
A Voice
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Whenever organizational decisions are being made that impact her nursing unit, the nurse manager is at the table to represent the best interests of her staff and patients.
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