Chief Nursing

Job Description:

A chief nursing officer has a wide range of responsibilities, including administrative roles. He sometimes performs the duties of a chief administrator or CEO of the hospital. He plans and oversees the daily activities within the hospital and ensures everything runs as planned. This includes organizing, directing and coordinating medical and health services in compliance with the government regulations and policies set by the board of trustees. He may also shortlist, evaluate and hire nurses and assist in educating them on the best healthcare practices. In some instances, a chief nursing officer may help in planning budgets and setting rates for the health services.

A chief nursing officer is expected by the government and hospital management to maintain high standards other staff members can follow. He inspires others based on what he does and encourages them to uphold the best practices when handling patients. He works towards establishing a conducive environment for other nurses by developing strategies aimed at creating collaboration. His leadership duties may go beyond the scope of nursing to serving as a spokesperson, representative or trainer at medical conferences and seminars. A chief nurse may also review the certifications of other nurses to make sure they comply with the existing professional regulations in the industry.

A chief nurse acts as the closest link between the physicians, nurses and hospital administrators. He ensures that all the RNs and LPNs offer the best possible support to the doctors in their respective departments. The support may include retrieving patient information, observing the patients based on the doctors' instructions and providing the right diagnostic tools. To achieve this, the nursing officer may need to review the policies of the hospital and make changes where necessary.