What should a head nurse do?

RE: What should a head nurse do?

georgina roberts — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 09:44:12 GMT

thank you everyone!

RE: What should a head nurse do?

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 09:21:43 GMT

What did your previous head nurse do? That's the first question to spring to mind. Alternatively, if you've never had one before, this is a golden opportunity to make the role your own. If nothing is on fire, you've got time to sit down and see how things are currently going. Ask your boss to name his top 3 issues he wants tackled, and ask colleagues their top 3 issues they have a problem with.

That's not an excuse for people to take potshots. It means they can sit down and tell you about equipment that works/doesn't work, procedures that work or don't work, and things that might not even remotely be in your control.

Treat the veterinary practice like your patient. Ask the presenting complaint, take a history, examine the patient, and make your recommendations.

Good luck! There's a lot of CPD out there (even a Head Nurse Congress!) and if you're serious about getting your teeth into the head nurse role, PM me and I can talk to you about qualifications that might help.

Best wishes,
Mark

RE: What should a head nurse do?

gemima — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 18:09:35 GMT

HI,

I'm a Head Nurse at my current practice my job role includes - Rota's, Reviews/Appraisals, supporting students through being a clinical coach, insurance, implement practice policies and procedures, work experience, Ordering, Stock takes, Organizing VN meetings, Ensuring tasks are completed on a daily basis and recruitment. Hope that helps don't think I've missed anything vital! xxx

RE: What should a head nurse do?

Ems — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 20:39:59 GMT

Hi Georgina, Since you've ended up in this role I'd ask your boss what they expect from you. I've never been a head nurse but from working in other practises the head nurse tends to organise the rota/shift patterns, stock control/doing the order, doing the banking (although we all had a part in this), arranging nurse/staff meetings and I'm sure they do whole lot more which I'm missing out! I've been lucky to have lovely head nurses that were very approachable and you felt you could speak to them if you were having problems. It'll differ depending on the surgery I'd imagine? Hope this helps a little!