12 Head Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

In order to be a successful head nurse, one must possess a variety of skills. This article will provide definitions for twelve of the most important skills: communication, delegation, critical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, time management, stress management, financial management, human resources management, change management, and political savvy.

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Head Nurse Skills

• Communication
• Leadership
• Management
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Organizational
• Time management
• Supervising
• Scheduling
• Prioritizing
• Delegating

Communication

Communication is a critical skill for head nurses. They need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. They also need to be able to understand and interpret medical information.

Leadership

Leadership is the ability to motivate and inspire others to achieve a common goal. As a head nurse, you will need to be able to lead your team in providing high-quality patient care.

Management

The ability to manage people and resources effectively is essential for any head nurse. They must be able to delegate tasks, set priorities, and solve problems quickly and efficiently.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make a judgment based on that analysis. As a head nurse, you need critical thinking skills in order to make decisions about patient care, staff assignments, and other important aspects of running a nursing unit.

Problem solving

Problem solving is a skill that is essential for head nurses. They need to be able to identify problems and find solutions quickly and efficiently. This skill is important because it allows head nurses to keep the hospital running smoothly and prevent any potential issues from escalating.

Decision making

Decision making is the ability to make choices based on a set of criteria. As a head nurse, you will need to be able to make decisions quickly and efficiently in order to maintain a high level of care for your patients.

Organizational

Organizational skills are important for head nurses because they need to be able to effectively manage their time and resources. They also need to be able to delegate tasks and oversee the work of other nurses.

Time management

Time management is a skill that is necessary for any head nurse. A head nurse needs to be able to juggle many tasks and responsibilities at once, and being able to manage one's time effectively is crucial in order to do so. Time management skills allow a head nurse to prioritize tasks, delegate tasks to others, and stay organized.

Supervising

The ability to supervise is an important skill for head nurses. They need to be able to oversee the work of other nurses and make sure that it is up to standards. This requires strong organizational and leadership skills.

Scheduling

The ability to schedule is an important skill for a head nurse. This is because they need to be able to ensure that all of the nurses under their supervision are able to work the shifts that they are supposed to. This can be a difficult task, as there may be many different schedules that need to be taken into account.

Prioritizing

The ability to prioritize is an essential skill for head nurses. They must be able to identify the most important tasks and delegate them accordingly. This ensures that patient care is not compromised and that the nurses are able to work efficiently.

Delegating

Delegating is the process of assigning tasks to other people. As a head nurse, you will need to be able to delegate tasks in order to make sure that all of the patients in your care are getting the attention they need.

How to improve head nurse skills

As the head nurse of a medical facility, it is your responsibility to ensure that the nurses under your supervision are providing high-quality patient care. In order to do this, you must possess excellent leadership and communication skills. Here are some tips on how to improve your head nurse skills:

1. Be an effective leader.

In order to be an effective leader, you must be able to motivate and inspire your team. You should provide clear direction and expectations, and hold your team members accountable for their actions. It is also important to be a good listener and to be open to new ideas.

2. Communicate effectively.

It is important to be able to communicate effectively with both your team members and your patients. When communicating with your team, make sure that you are clear and concise in your instructions. When communicating with patients, it is important to be compassionate and understanding.

3. Be organized.

As the head nurse, it is important to be organized in order to keep the medical facility running smoothly. This includes keeping track of supplies, scheduling shifts, and maintaining patient records.

4. Be knowledgeable about nursing care.

As the head nurse, you should have a thorough understanding of nursing care procedures and protocols. This knowledge will allow you to effectively oversee the nurses under your supervision and ensure that they are providing high-quality patient care.

How to highlight head nurse skills

You will want to highlight your skills as a Head Nurse in general by discussing your experience in the field, as well as your educational background. You will also want to discuss any relevant awards or recognition you have received for your work as a Head Nurse. Finally, you will want to briefly mention any future goals you have for yourself as a Head Nurse.

On a resume

To highlight your skills as a Head Nurse on a resume, you should list your experience in managing and leading a nursing team. You should also list your experience in developing and implementing nursing policies and procedures. In addition, you should highlight your ability to manage budgets and resources. Finally, you should list your experience in collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a head nurse. Include your experience leading a team of nurses, as well as your ability to manage budgets and resources. Describe how you have successfully implemented new policies and procedures, and how you have been able to improve patient care and satisfaction. Be sure to include examples of your successes in these areas.

During an interview

When you are interviewing for a position as a head nurse, you will want to be sure to highlight your skills. You should be prepared to discuss your experience in leading and managing a team of nurses. Be sure to give examples of how you have successfully handled difficult situations. Be sure to stress your commitment to patient care and your ability to work well under pressure.