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3151 Head Nurses and Supervisors

Head nurses and supervisors supervise and co-ordinate the activities of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other nursing personnel in the provision of patient care. They are employed in health care institutions such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes and in nursing agencies.

Example Titles

head nurse
nursing care co-ordinator
nursing supervisor
patient care co-ordinator
psychiatric nursing supervisor
public health nursing supervisor

View all titles

Main duties

Head nurses and supervisors perform some or all of the following duties:

• Supervise registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other nursing personnel
• Evaluate patients' needs and ensure that required nursing care is delivered
• Set up and co-ordinate nursing services in conjunction with other health services
• Ensure quality nursing care is provided and appropriate administrative procedures are followed
• Assist in the establishment of unit policies and procedures
• Administer nursing unit budget and ensure that supplies and equipment are available
• Assist in the selection, evaluation and professional development of nursing personnel
• Collaborate on research projects related to nursing and medical care and multidisciplinary services
• May provide direct patient care.

Employment requirements

• Completion of a university, college or other approved registered nursing program is required.

• Courses in management studies such as the Nursing Unit Administration Course offered by the Canadian Hospital Association or other degree, diploma, certificate or studies in management or administration may be required.

• Registration as a registered nurse by a provincial or territorial regulatory body or, in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, provincial registration as a registered psychiatric nurse is required.

• Clinical experience as a registered nurse is required.

Additional information

• Progression to management positions, such as director of nursing, is possible with experience.

Classified elsewhere

• Directors of nursing and nursing unit administrators (in 0311 Managers in Health Care)