Job Description of the Nurse Shift Supervisor

Hospitals provide 24/7 care to patients, and there are always nurses on duty to provide direct patient care. Any time of the day or night, bedside nurses can call upon a nurse shift supervisor for assistance or advice.

Types

• A nurse shift supervisor is responsible for designated nursing units on a particular shift. A nurse shift supervisor in one hospital, for example, may cover only critical care units. His colleague in another hospital may be accountable for all inpatient nursing units.

Functions

• Some shift supervisors are clinical supervisors who address patient-care issues. Others are administrative supervisors who deal with staffing issues. Many shift supervisors combine clinical and administrative roles.

Relationships

• A nurse shift supervisor is many things to many people: a mentor and educator for nurses, a problem-solver for physicians and other hospital staff, and an advocate for patients and families.

Hierarchy

• The nurse shift supervisor oversees bedside nurses, is a colleague to unit-based nurse managers, and reports to a nursing administrator.

Skills

• A nurse shift supervisor needs a sound clinical knowledge base, excellent time management and great interpersonal skills. Many hospitals require specific certification, such as one in ACLS (advanced cardiac life support).