JOB PROFILE
What Is a Senior Nurse?
IN THIS JOB PROFILE
You Will Learn.
- What is a Senior Nurse?
- What are the responsibilities of a Senior Nurse?
- What qualifications does a Senior Nurse need?
- What is the average salary of a Senior Nurse?
- Who employs a Senior Nurse?
- What skills does a Senior Nurse need?
- Where the latest Senior Nurse jobs are and how to apply for them.
What is a Senior Nurse?
A Senior Nurse is a nursing professional who works at a higher level than a Registered General Nurse and typically holds a leadership role within a healthcare setting.
With years of experience, Senior Nurses support the professional development of Junior Nurses, provide advanced patient care and ensure high standards of nursing practice. They often manage teams and work with other healthcare professionals such as Physicians to improve and create positive outcomes.
What Are the responsibilities of a Senior Nurse?
The responsibilities of a Senior Nurse can include both clinical and managerial duties, overseeing the operation of their nursing team to ensure they are providing high quality care to patients.
While working as a Senior Nurse, you will be required to:
- Oversee medication administration to avoid any errors and ensure accurate dosages.
- Provide planned care for patients without supervision.
- Assist Junior Nurses with clinical decision making.
- Monitor patient health conditions.
- Ensure that all nursing care aligns with hospital policies and safety protocols.
- Identify key areas for improvement in patient care and outcomes.
- Ensure nursing practice aligns with regulatory requirements, relevant healthcare laws and ethical standards.
- Maintain open communication with patients and their families, addressing progression and concerns.
- Take charge in emergency situations, ensuring patients and staff are safe.
- Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to improve quality of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Qualifications Does a Senior Nurse Need?
To become a Senior Nurse, you must complete an undergraduate nursing degree and be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Some Senior Nurses also pursue other qualifications such as a postgraduate diploma or a Master’s degree in nursing or healthcare management, however this isn’t a requirement.
What Is the Average Salary of a Senior Nurse?
The average salary for a Senior Nurse in the UK is between £37,719 and £42,390 however this can vary depending on factors such as the location of a role and a person’s experience, skills and qualifications.
Who Employs a Senior Nurse?
The majority of Senior Nurse jobs are found within healthcare organisations such as the NHS, specialist care settings and community health services. Senior Nurses are also employed by private healthcare providers, non-profit organisations and care homes.
What skills does a Senior Nurse need?
Senior Nurses require various leadership, clinical and interpersonal skills to effectively manage a team, deliver quality care to patients and ensure patient safety. Senior Nurses must also display strong decision making and communication abilities to support staff development and smooth operational workflows.
Key skills of a Senior Nurse include:
- Communication - Senior Nurses need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, patients' families, doctors and other medical staff.
- Critical thinking - Senior Nurses are often needed to make crucial decisions under pressure which is when critical thinking skills come into play.
- Empathy - Empathy is a crucial skill for a Senior Nurse to have as it helps them understand patient emotions and provide comfort and support.
- Attention to detail - Senior Nurses need to have attention to detail when they administer medication to patients to avoid medical errors.
- Organisational skills - Strong organisational skills are crucial for Senior Nurses as they need to keep track of test results, medications and patient care plans.
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