ASSISTANT HEAD NURSE
Assistant Head Nurse sits in the competitive class of New Jersey's local-government civil service, so reaching it runs through testing and an eligible list instead of a straight hire.
The requirements come down to 0.5 years of relevant experience and a professional license.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. We don't track live vacancies.
How to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, assists the Head Nurse in the administration of the nursing care of a unit, a division of a unit, or a clinical department and assumes responsibilities as assigned; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Assists in planning of nursing service in the unit within the limit of existing policies.
- In the absence of the Head Nurse, supervises all nursing activities related to patient care in the unit.
- Assists in developing effective work methods and schedules.
- Assigns and instructs subordinate personnel.
- Is responsible for the execution of doctors' orders.
- Participates in developing effective methods of implementing doctors' orders and interprets such orders for staff.
- Gives direct nursing care to patients.
- Confers with doctors and reports patients' needs and preferences through the Head Nurse.
- Assists in reporting and recording patients' symptoms, reactions, and progress.
- Assists in the promotion of and participates in a rehabilitation program for patients.
- Assists in and may assume responsibility for the handling, requisitioning, dispensing, use of, and recording of narcotics, medications, and supplies.
- Assists in the evaluation of the work performance and attributes of nursing personnel.
- Assists in the preparation of reports and recommendations for supervisors.
- Instructs and orients new staff and continuously instructs personnel to achieve higher standards.
- Assists in unit planning for budget, staff organization, utilization of physical facilities, use of supplies and materials, and standards of patient care and objectives.
- May be responsible for the instruction of students and volunteer workers assigned to the unit.
- Maintains a dignified professional association with hospital personnel and the public.
- Participates actively in civic, educational, and professional organizations.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Experience
Six (6) months of experience as a general duty nurse.
License
Current and valid registration as a Professional Nurse in the State of New Jersey.
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of principles, procedures, and methods of professional nursing and hospital organization.
- Knowledge of organizing assigned nursing and supervisory work and developing effective work methods.
- Knowledge of sterilization, immunization, and diagnoses.
- Knowledge of the preparation and maintenance of accurate medical and other records.
- Knowledge of precautions to be taken in the use of narcotics and other medications and treatments.
- Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret professional nursing problems.
- Ability to organize assigned nursing and supervisory work and develop effective work methods.
- Ability to give assignments and instructions.
- Ability to work harmoniously with associates.
- Ability to develop work schedules for assigned employees.
- Ability to handle, dispense, direct the use of, and keep records of narcotics, medications, and other supplies.
- Ability to apply principles, procedures, and practices of nursing to specific cases.
- Ability to observe and report symptoms and conditions of patients.
- Ability to administer medications.
- Ability to prepare requisitions for medications, equipment, and supplies.
- Ability to direct the keeping of clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Ability to direct the maintenance of essential records and files.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.