Learn about the essential requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that are helpful in a staff nurse job description.
Staff nurses are registered nurses who provide patient-centered care in healthcare facilities. They assist higher-level medical professionals, like doctors or specialists, and are a part of the diagnosis and treatment process. While staff nurses are most commonly employed in hospitals, they can also work in residential treatment facilities, substance abuse recovery centers, nursing homes, or even corporations.
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Staff Nurse Job Description Template
Are you a registered nurse looking for an enriching new career? We are hiring a staff nurse to join our healthcare team. They will assess and care for patients alongside doctors, nurse practitioners, and other medical staff. An ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history of providing excellent bedside manner and working well on a multidisciplinary team.
Staff Nurse Responsibilities
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Provide nursing care in an inpatient or outpatient setting
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Document patient information in their medical chart
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Collaborate with other members of the medical team to diagnose and treat patients
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Stay updated on continuing education credits and license renewal
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Report workplace risks
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Maintain patient confidentiality
Staff Nurse Requirements
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Minimum of a two-year nursing degree from an accredited university
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Up-to-date state Registered Nurse (RN)licensure
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0-2 years experience in the medical field
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Ability to multitask
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Strong verbal and written communication skills
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Proper knowledge of patient privacy laws and documentation
Staff Nurse Duties And Responsibilities
Provide nursing care in an inpatient or outpatient setting
A staff nurse’s primary job responsibility is to provide high-quality care to patients. Many staff nurses specialize, meaning they work in a specific floor, unit, or type of healthcare facility. Specialties could include pediatrics, maternal health, geriatric, or any specific type of health condition like cardiovascular issues. Staff nurses will evaluate a patient’s condition, administer prescribed medications, collect vital signs, and more.
Document patient information in their medical chart
Documentation is crucial to a staff nurse’s job. Every interaction with a patient must be documented in their chart, along with pertinent health information or changes to their demographics. Staff nurses should also comply with health privacy laws, including HIPAA.
Related: Best Work From Home Nursing Jobs
Report workplace risks
A workplace risk is something in the work environment that could put employees in danger of being hurt. Reporting these risks is important for nurses to reduce the change of themself, other medical staff, and patients being exposed to something harmful. Examples are improper sharps disposal, not following bloodborne pathogens procedures, or exposing someone to medications that could cause an allergic reaction.
Stay updated on continuing education credits and license renewal
Continuing education is a requirement for staff and registered nurses to stay in good standing with their licensure. These short courses are meant to keep nurses educated on the latest best practices or new updates to procedures, medications, or treatments. Many employers will offer full or partial reimbursement for CE credits.
Collaborate with other members of the medical team to diagnose and treat patients
Being able to collaborate with doctors and other clinical or administrative staff is something staff nurses do daily. Because many patients require interdisciplinary healthcare teams as part of their care, working together is important to their overall well-being. It also helps to ensure that patients are getting well-rounded care.
If you want to become a nurse, you may need to revamp your resume. Check out our guide to creating a nursing resume.
Staff Nurse Salary And Job Outlook
Median National Salary: $74,375 per year
Education Required: Minimum of a 2-year nursing degree from an accredited nursing program
Number of Jobs: 3,326,000
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 6%
The Bottom Line
Staff nurses provide bedside care to patients with varying health conditions. Because the position is expected to grow within the next few years, more hospitals and other healthcare facilities are looking for staff nurses now than ever.
To see where employers are searching for candidates, check our list of the best free job posting sites. If you want to add a staff nurse to your team, post your staff nurse job description on ZipRecruiter today!
