In a hospital, clinic, or other health-care setting, a nursing supervisor oversees, controls, and organizes employees and procedures. A nursing supervisor’s responsibilities usually include ensuring that the facility she or he supervises follows all policies, guidelines, and protocols necessary to meet the organization’s quality assurance standards. Hiring, evaluating, and, if necessary, promoting and firing key employees are examples of such expectations.
A nurse supervisor is also expected to be particularly skilled at maintaining records and maintaining constant oversight of the work site, relevant paperwork, and all personnel under her or his supervision. Most supervisors are also in charge of creating and adhering to strict budgets to ensure that the facility’s supply inventory is always well-stocked while spending only what is necessary for supplies and operating equipment. A supervisor is expected to fulfill all of these responsibilities while also overseeing patient care on a regular basis.
While a nursing supervisor may not provide hands-on nursing care to patients, supervisors are ultimately responsible for ensuring that nurses, aides, and other staff members under the nursing supervisor’s supervision provide the best possible care to patients. Nursing supervisors must meet with staff members on a regular basis and, on occasion, with patients and their families to address concerns and avoid and resolve conflicts. The nursing supervisor is also responsible for communicating the institution’s policies to all employees and ensuring that they understand what is expected of them and that everyone follows all policies and regulations.
A nursing supervisor is expected to be able to effectively manage all aspects of the organization’s operations as well as assist the facility with public relations issues. She or he may be asked to represent the health care facility at community meetings or other public events as a result of this. As a result, nursing supervisors must be excellent communicators who get along well with others.
Before applying for a supervisory position, a skilled professional is expected to be trained and experienced in the majority of these responsibilities. An average annual salary for a nursing supervisor is $55,000 USD, with some more experienced and specialized nursing supervisor salaries closer to $100,000 USD per year. Salaries vary depending on the job’s requirements and location.