| If you are looking for a job in nursing, you have | | | | Some job descriptions for nursing specialties may |
| probably noticed variations in the job descriptions. | | | | even set working hours. For example, school health |
| Although there are some common threads among all | | | | nurses, will usually work only during school hours. |
| of these job postings, the majority of the | | | | The job description for a nursing supervisor or head |
| differences will mainly revolve around the specific | | | | nurse usually mentions the need to provide care to |
| specialty or the particular nursing position. | | | | patients. However, this is not the main duty of a |
| Regardless of your particular specialty, there will be | | | | nursing supervisor. Their job description will note the |
| certain duties that should appear in almost all nursing | | | | need to head up the nursing staff by setting work |
| job descriptions. Though it may be worded | | | | schedules, assigning duties, reviewing medical records, |
| differently, providing nursing care to patients will | | | | and ensuring that nursing supplies are in stock. Most |
| usually be in the job description. As well as general | | | | importantly, whether it is specifically stated in the job |
| duties like, maintaining confidential patient records, | | | | description or not, the nursing supervisor’s |
| providing medical advice to patients and/or their | | | | greatest duty is to be responsible for their nursing |
| families, and explaining procedures and conditions to | | | | staff. So, ensuring that they have the proper training |
| patients. | | | | and knowledge of policies and procedures is vital. |
| A general nursing job description may also give a | | | | The job description for a nurse practitioner will |
| brief account of the type of healthcare professionals | | | | explicitly state the need for a higher level of |
| and patients that you will be working with on a daily | | | | credentials than the RN license, usually a bachelors or |
| basis. All job descriptions will require a RN license, but | | | | masters degree in Nursing. A specific number of |
| will encourage nurses with additional certifications or | | | | years of experience as a nurse practitioner may also |
| credentials. Some even detail the certifications that | | | | be required within the job description. This is a direct |
| they would prefer. This documentation will usually | | | | result of the advanced duties of a nursing |
| need to be presented before a nurse can | | | | practitioner. The job description for a nurse |
| successfully obtain a particular position. | | | | practitioner may be more closely related to that of a |
| Other basic information to be included in the job | | | | physician than that of a registered nurse. Nurse |
| description for a nurse could be the salary range, | | | | practitioners are in many cases the first to diagnose |
| which will be influenced by the size of the healthcare | | | | and treat an illness. Depending on the state which |
| organization, its location, and the job market for that | | | | they are in, a nurse practitioner may also have the |
| area. It will also detail the level of nursing experience | | | | ability to prescribe medication. |
| that they are hoping to attract. Though, most are | | | | LPNs or licensed practical nurses job description duties |
| more concerned with the licensing and credentials, | | | | are almost always spelled out. Most of these |
| others require a set number of years within the | | | | positions require the nurse to monitor progress, track |
| nursing field. The actual working shift may or may | | | | vital signs, dressing wounds, taking care of a |
| not be included, as nursing schedules are typically | | | | patient’s hygiene needs, and alerting registered |
| pretty flexible. | | | | nurses and/or physicians of changes in a |
| Though these are the basic aspects of a job | | | | patient’s status. LPNs may also be required to |
| description for a registered nurse there will be | | | | start IV’s and administer medicines, but these |
| changes for other types of nurses. The differences | | | | duties will vary by state. |
| between nursing job descriptions for particular | | | | The final difference in job descriptions for nurses will |
| specialties and general nurses will revolve around the | | | | be for those that work in a particular type of |
| additional certifications and experience levels. The | | | | healthcare facility. For instance the job description for |
| duties will be more detailed and specific to the | | | | nurses that work in burn centers, rest-homes, and |
| specialty. For example, instead of saying “to | | | | pediatric facilities will usually differ from those of |
| provide care for patients,” the description for a | | | | nurses in typical hospitals. Yet, these job descriptions |
| surgical nurse may read, “to prep patients for | | | | will revolve around the type of patients being |
| surgical procedure.” Another detailed difference | | | | treated. The nurses may develop treatment plans, |
| would be in the clarification of the type of patients | | | | work with rehab specialists, and teach family |
| that the nurse will care for and the healthcare | | | | members and other caregivers how to assist in the |
| professionals they will work with on a daily basis. | | | | caring for the patient at home. |