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How to Write a Nurse Job Description Sample

A Nurse, or Registered Nurse, is responsible for the well-being and care of patients. A Nurse’s primary responsibilities include delivering care to patients, providing health education to patients, and working with an interdisciplinary team to create a rehabilitation plan for patients.

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What does a Nurse do?

A Nurse uses clinical skills to ensure patients have the highest level of quality care while at a hospital, doctor’s office, or rehabilitation centre. The duties of a Nurse can change depending on what department they work in. An emergency room Nurse is responsible for patient intake, listening to the patient’s symptoms, and relaying the information to attending Doctors. A Nurse in a doctor’s office listens to patient health problems and helps the family Doctor determine the best treatment.

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Nurse Job Description Examples:

Nurse duties and responsibilities

Nurses perform many tasks that help patients in healthcare facilities recover quickly. Duties and responsibilities of a Nurse may include: 

  • Performing health assessments of patients to identify healthcare interventions
  • Using appropriate assessment tools regarding clients well-being and care
  • Monitoring, addressing, and documenting the symptoms and changes in patients conditions
  • Operating and using medical equipment
  • Assisting Doctors and Surgeons in surgery and other medical procedures
  • Working with Doctors to develop and implement a discharge planning process for patients
  • Teaching and counselling patients or family members on health-related issues while collaborating with other healthcare professionals
  • Administering vaccinations

Nurse skills and qualifications

A successful Nurse has various prerequisite skills and qualifications required for the duties performed in this job, including: 

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to maintain composure to cope with emergencies and distressing situations
  • Strong ability to maintain safety, quality and infection control standards
  • Strong knowledge of medical procedures, equipment, and medical facilities
  • Ability to perform basic nursing duties and responsibilities
  • Ability to work in stressful environments and under pressure
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Nurse experience requirements

When looking through resumes for a Nurse, it is best to look for an applicant who has experience working in the same environment or in the same speciality as the job description is advertising for. For general Nursing positions in a hospital or healthcare centre, candidates should ideally have one to two years experience. However, this isn’t necessary for entry-level positions as long as the candidate has completed their education and registered with their local nursing association. If the position calls for work with specific diseases or a particular department, such as geriatrics, then finding a Nurse with at least two years of relevant experience is beneficial.

Nurse training and education

A Nurse candidate needs to have completed a university, college or other approved nursing program in Canada (or international equivalent). A successful candidate also needs to be registered with the nursing association in their province or territory. For nurses working with specific diseases or a specific department, then a master’s or doctoral degree that focuses on those areas is an asset for candidates.

Nurse salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Nurse in Canada is $33.49 per hour. This can vary depending on the employee’s previous experience, academic background, location, or company that is hiring.

Job descriptions for similar roles

If a Nurse is not exactly what you are looking for, other related descriptions include: 

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Nurse job description FAQs

What should you look for in a Nurse's resume?

When reviewing resumes for a Nurse, look for an applicant registered with the regulatory body in your province or territory, like the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). A successful applicant should be in good standing with these associations.

How do you make your Nursing job description stand out?

The daily duties of a Nurse are very similar to the daily duties of a Nurse Practitioner. Both positions work to provide excellent care to patients in a variety of capacities. A Nurse Practitioner, however, undergoes more training and requires a master’s degree or higher certification. A Nurse Practitioner can prescribe medication and diagnose complex medical conditions.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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