Nurse Supervisor

Nurse supervisors ensure that a patient receives all of the care he or she requires, whether in a hospital, clinic or the patient’s home. They also coordinate a patient’s care and act as the primary contact for doctors. Additionally, they manage a team of medical personnel.

Job Responsibilities

The majority of a nurse supervisor’s time is spent managing nursing services and making sure that plans are executed effectively, as the main duty is to assure that all of a patient’s needs are met. Nurse supervisors work out the standard practices that are custom to what a patient requires and maintain and update a patient’s records. They act as the primary contact for doctors and have the final word on nursing procedures within their department.

Nurse supervisors also lead a team of nurses and other medical staff at a clinic or hospital. They will arrange for the care of patients in their homes, create schedules for a patient’s care services, and coordinate substitute nurses if necessary. Sometimes, they might fill in for nurses or caretakers if none are available. Further, they reconcile the rotation of nursing staff. Nurse supervisors examine all of the work and records that have been completed by the nurses.

Generally, nurse supervisors work 40 hours per week, but many work overtime. Traveling to and from a patient’s home or to other medical facilities may be required. Nurse supervisors don’t frequently interact with patients on a one-on-one basis; however, they sometimes have to if they fill in for other nurses.

Nurse Supervisor Salary

The employment outlook for nursing looks promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the job market will grow 15 percent for registered nurses through 2026. While the BLS does not have information specific to nurse supervisors, PayScale states that their median annual salary is $72,344. A nurse supervisor’s pay is commensurate with experience, location, and where they work (hospital, clinic, etc.).

Education Requirements

A nursing degree and a registered nurse certification are required for one to become a nurse supervisor. Nurse supervisors need experience in nursing and managing. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree in nursing. Typically, an NCLEX license is necessary for the position, but sometimes this certification is identical to being an RN. Requirements for nurse supervisors vary from state to state.

Prospective nurse supervisors can get their nursing degree through Campbellsville University’s online RN to BSN program. For those who desire to advance a nursing career, this program is ideal as it teaches advanced nursing procedures and patient care practices. The RN to BSN program is also ACEN accredited. Students can conveniently fit online coursework into their busy schedules and obtain a bachelor of science in nursing for less than $14,000.