The Role of a Nurse Manager

A nurse manager, formerly called a head nurse, is responsible for the clinical and administrative functions of a particular nursing unit, such as a pediatric floor or an intensive care unit (ICU).
  1. Responsibilities

    • 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

    • 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

    • 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

    • A nurse manager is considered part of middle management because he supervises direct care providers and reports to a nursing administrator.

    A Voice

    • 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.

General Healthcare Industry - Related Articles