Staff Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the role of staff nurses is undeniably critical.

As medical advancements continue to evolve, the need for skilled and compassionate nurses who can provide, manage, and optimize patient care is increasingly paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a staff nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the full scope of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable staff nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Staff Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Staff Nurses are a vital part of the healthcare team, providing direct patient care, administering treatments and medications, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Staff Nurses have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans
• Perform patient assessments and health histories
• Administer medications, wound care, and other personalized interventions as ordered by healthcare providers
• Interpret patient information and make critical decisions about needed actions
• Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of healthcare professionals
• Record patients’ symptoms, medical information, and changes in condition
• Educate patients about management of illnesses
• Operate medical equipment
• Supervise and train LPNs and nursing assistants
• Ensure patient emotional and physical comfort and safety
• Communicate with patient’s family or friends to provide advice, comfort and release instructions

 

Staff Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Staff Nurse to join our healthcare team.

As a Staff Nurse, your core duties will include recording patient histories, administering medication, operating medical equipment, and working closely with patients to monitor their condition, among other responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, a compassionate nature, and a keen interest in patient well-being.

 

Responsibilities

• Assessing, implementing, planning, or evaluating patient nursing care plans by working with healthcare team members.
• Modifying patient health treatment plans as indicated by patient conditions and responses.
• Maintaining accurate, detailed reports and records.
• Administering medications to patients and monitoring them for side effects and reactions.
• Recording patient vital signs and medical information.
• Ordering, interpreting, and evaluating diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient condition.
• Directing or supervising less experienced nursing staff.
• Consulting and coordinating with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Staff Nurse.
• Extensive knowledge of health care laws and regulations.
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care.
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures (sanitation, decontamination etc.) and willingness to follow them at all times.
• A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Responsible and compassionate.
• A BSc or other diploma from a nursing program.
• Valid nursing license.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Pension scheme
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Staff Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare setting. Shift-based work with emergency duty as required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nurse Manager or Department Head.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,500 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and copies of your nursing license and any certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Staff Nurse Do?

Staff Nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

They can also provide in-home care services for patients.

The primary role of a Staff Nurse is to provide direct patient care.

They are involved in assessing a patient’s condition, developing a care plan, administering medications, and observing the patient’s progress.

Staff Nurses also perform diagnostic tests, interpret test results, and collaborate with doctors to determine the best course of treatment for a patient.

They are often responsible for educating patients and their families about the patient’s health condition and how to manage it at home.

In addition to providing care to patients, Staff Nurses are also responsible for documenting patients’ medical histories and symptoms, updating patient medical records, and ensuring that all confidential patient information is securely stored.

Staff Nurses play a crucial role in patient recovery and are often the main point of contact between the patient and the healthcare team.

They are trained to handle emergencies, provide emotional support to patients and their families, and promote health and wellness.

 

Staff Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A staff nurse should possess a range of skills and qualifications to provide excellent patient care, including:

• Registered Nurse qualification and valid nursing license to practice professionally.
• Thorough knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures, including administering medication, personal hygiene, and basic health care.
• Excellent skills in clinical procedures and patient assessment to provide necessary treatments and monitor patient’s conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to operate medical equipment and use medical software for patient records.
• Superior organizational and multi-tasking skills to manage multiple patient cases and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving skills to make quick decisions in emergency situations.
• Emotional resilience and ability to manage stress, as dealing with illness and suffering patients can be emotionally demanding.
• Continued dedication to learning and adapting to new healthcare methods and practices.

 

Staff Nurse Experience Requirements

Entry-level Staff Nurses are often recent graduates from an accredited nursing program, having obtained either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Although they may not have much working experience, they would have completed practical training or clinical rotations during their education, providing them with hands-on nursing experience in a variety of settings.

Staff Nurses with 1 to 3 years of experience typically have spent time in general nursing roles, building a foundation in patient care, medication administration, and other essential nursing duties.

They may have worked in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities, and started to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or critical care.

Staff Nurses with 3 to 5 years of experience often have more specialized skills and knowledge.

They may have pursued additional qualifications or certifications in their chosen speciality, and often have experience in coordinating with healthcare teams, managing patient care plans, and mentoring less experienced nurses.

Staff Nurses with over 5 years of experience are often considered highly skilled professionals.

They typically have a deep understanding of patient care, advanced clinical skills, and experience in leadership roles, such as charge nurse or nurse supervisor.

These nurses might be ready for roles such as Nurse Manager or Nurse Educator, where they can use their extensive experience to oversee and train other nursing staff.

 

Staff Nurse Education and Training Requirements

A Staff Nurse typically holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

This four-year program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience.

Subjects studied usually include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other social and behavioral sciences.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, all states require staff nurses to be licensed.

To become licensed, nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Some Staff Nurses may choose to pursue further specialization in areas such as pediatric nursing, neonatal nursing, geriatric nursing, or critical care nursing, among others.

These typically require additional certifications, which are granted by professional organizations and often necessitate passing an exam.

Continuing education is important for Staff Nurses due to the rapidly evolving nature of healthcare.

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities encourage or require their nurses to pursue ongoing learning and professional development.

Furthermore, some Staff Nurse roles may require or prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in nursing or a related field, especially for positions in leadership, administration, or specialized fields.

In addition to educational requirements, Staff Nurses must possess excellent interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.

 

Staff Nurse Salary Expectations

A Staff Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $73,300 (USD) per year.

The actual salary a Staff Nurse receives can fluctuate based on factors such as level of experience, specialty area, geographical location, and the specific healthcare facility they work in.

 

Staff Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a staff nurse need?

Staff nurses need a variety of skills, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.

They should possess strong clinical knowledge to provide appropriate care and have the ability to work well under pressure.

Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to make quick decisions are also essential.

Additionally, they should have empathy and compassion for their patients.

 

What qualifications does a staff nurse need?

Staff nurses need to be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in their state of practice.

This requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program.

After completion of their education, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

 

What should you look for in a staff nurse resume?

When looking at a staff nurse resume, first check for valid licensure and educational qualifications.

Experience in a similar setting or with a particular patient population can be beneficial.

Look for any specialty certifications or additional training they may have.

Also, consider their soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving, which can often be gauged through their past work experiences.

 

What qualities make a good staff nurse?

A good staff nurse is compassionate, caring, and empathetic, able to provide comfort to patients in distress.

They should also have strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.

They need to have attention to detail to ensure proper medication administration and patient care.

Additionally, they should have the ability to work in a team and possess excellent problem-solving skills.

 

What are the daily duties of a staff nurse?

The daily duties of a staff nurse typically include monitoring patients’ conditions and health progress, administering medication, writing patient care plans, operating medical equipment, assisting with tests and evaluations, providing emotional support to patients and their families, and communicating with doctors about patient health.

Depending on their specialty and workplace, they may also perform a variety of other tasks.

 

Is it difficult to hire staff nurses?

Hiring staff nurses can be challenging due to the ongoing nursing shortage in many areas.

It’s crucial to offer competitive salaries, benefits, and a supportive work environment to attract qualified candidates.

Additionally, providing opportunities for professional growth and development can also make your facility more attractive to potential hires.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of what it means to be a staff nurse.

Guess what?

It’s not just about administering medications.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive staff nurse job description template and concrete examples, you’re fully prepared to take the leap.

But why not go the extra mile?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction contributes to the broader picture.

Let’s shape the future of healthcare. Together.

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