A clinical nurse manager is the person in charge of running a nursing unit in a hospital or other healthcare facility on a daily basis. The nurse manager is also in charge of the unit’s nursing staff and has the authority to make personnel decisions. The unit’s manager is also in charge of coordinating patient care and procedures. This entry-level to mid-level management position typically requires previous experience as a staff nurse, as well as demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills.
A clinical nurse manager’s job entails overseeing the planning for his or her unit’s operations. That means the nurse manager is usually in charge of the nursing staff’s work and shift schedules, as well as coverage and overtime allocation. Clinical nurse managers also plan budgets, ensure that the staff has enough supplies, and ensure that their unit complies with medical center policies.
A clinical nurse manager is typically entrusted with personnel decisions such as hiring, firing, and promotions. Higher-level supervisors usually give weight to the nurse manager’s input if the manager does not have sole discretion over these decisions. The nurse manager may also be in charge of organizing training seminars, conference attendance, and other professional development opportunities for the unit’s staff nurses. Clinical nurse managers are also likely to supervise student nurse education programs by coordinating the placement of students with staff nurses.
A clinical nurse manager is also responsible for the unit’s patients. The manager ensures that the highest standards of patient care are followed. Daily rounds are usually conducted by nurse managers to ensure that patient needs are met and patient satisfaction is monitored. Clinical nurse managers frequently collaborate with the facility’s physicians to develop and implement medical care plans for patients suffering from specific illnesses.
To become a clinical nurse manager, you must meet both educational and practical requirements. Clinical nurse managers with an associate’s degree in nursing will be hired by some hospitals. Other medical centers demand a higher level of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or a related field. Many clinical nurse manager positions also require a specific number of years in the nursing field or with that specific hospital or unit that the nurse manager will supervise. Salaries vary greatly depending on the nurse manager’s level of experience and education, as well as the hospital’s location and whether the unit requires specialized nursing skills.