Nurse Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Your job description is the first contact between your company and your new recruit. With millions of people searching for jobs on Indeed each month, a great job description can help you attract the most qualified candidates to your open position. To get you started, here are some tips for creating an effective job description.

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Nurse job title

An effective job title wiil typically include a general term, the level of experience and any special requirements. The general term will optimize your job title to show up in a general search for jobs of the same nature. The level of experience will help you attract the most qualified applicants by outlining the amount of responsibility and prior knowledge required. And if your position is specialized, consider including the specialization in the job title as well. But avoid using internal titles, abbreviations or acronyms to make sure people understand what your job posting is before clicking.

  • Nurse
  • Nurse Manager
  • Nurse (Labor and Delivery)
  • Nurse (Part-Time)
  • Registered Nurse
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Nurse Job Description Examples:

Nurse job summary

A good job description starts with an attention-grabbing summary of the position and its role within your company. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Outline the types of activities and responsibilities required for the job so job seekers can determine if they are qualified, or if the job is suitable for them.

Example of a Nurse job summary

Our award-winning hospital is in need of a Nurse for the cardiology unit. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of nursing responsibilities during each shift, from processing patients in and out to delegating nursing rounds and drug administration. We’re looking for a highly competent and well-organized professional who values safety, security and patient wellness above all else. We focus on providing the best care possible while ensuring patient satisfaction in every interaction. The Nurse is responsible for making sure those values are reflected in his or her staff at all times.

Nurse responsibilities and duties

The responsibilities and duties section is the most important part of the job description. Here you should outline the functions this position will perform on a regular basis, how the job functions within the organization and the title of the manager the person will report to.

  • Manage the nursing care for all patients in the cardiology unit during your shift
  • Delegate the shift’s tasks to all of the nurses in the unit and coordinate with physicians who might need assistance
  • Recognize changes in patients’ condition and respond appropriately
  • Supervise Nursing Aides as they complete their assigned tasks and point out any changes or improvements that need to be made
  • Detect any issues that could result in injuries or other difficulties for patients or staff members
  • Inform physicians of any changes in patients’ progress, condition or medicinal needs

Nurse qualifications and skills

Next, outline the required and preferred skills for your position. This may include education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills. You may also include soft skills and personality traits that you expect from a successful candidate. While it may be tempting to include a long list of skills and requirements, including too many could dissuade qualified candidates from applying. Keep your list of qualifications concise, but provide enough detail with relevant keywords and terms.

  • Registered Nurse license required
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing required (Masters of Science in Nursing preferred)
  • Excellent leadership skills
  • 4+ years’ experience nursing in a hospital environment
  • 2+ years’ supervisory nursing experience
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • High level of familiarity with hospital safety practices and procedures

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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