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Head Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oneoncology

Head Nurse (RN)

New York, NY

$71/hr

Head Nurse (RN) Location: Brooklyn, NY Working Days: 4 Days ( Thurs - Regular Day Off) Hours: 8am-6pm Organization: New York Cancer and Blood Specialists (NYCBS) In this role, you will: Manage all ...

Baptist Memorial Health

RN-Head Nurse

Oxford, MS

Job Summary The Head Nurse is responsible for overseeing patient care, staff management and day to day operations of a specific department or nursing unit. Coordinates and provides care utilizing the ...

NYC Health Hospitals

Head Nurse

New York, NY · On-site

$112K/yr

An annual nursing experience differential ranging from $1,042 up to $8,645 for up to 10 years of experience if you have outside nursing experience as a Head Nurse. Benefits NYC Health and Hospitals ...

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$33.5K

$84.6K

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How much do head nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for head nurse in the United States is $84,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Head Nurse?

A head nurse oversees the nursing unit at a hospital or other clinical healthcare facility. As a head nurse, your responsibilities include training the nursing staff, scheduling shifts, monitoring the department budget, and ensuring patients receive the treatment prescribed by their doctor. Other nurses turn to the head nurse when they have questions or concerns about their duties. You may also be involved in hiring new nursing staff, evaluating the current nursing team, and recommending termination for nurses who do not meet hospital standards of care.

What are head nurses?

Head nurses, also known as nurse managers or charge nurses, are registered nurses who oversee the operations of a nursing unit within a healthcare facility. They are responsible for supervising nursing staff, coordinating patient care, managing schedules, and ensuring that quality standards and protocols are followed. Head nurses also play a key role in staff training, conflict resolution, and communication between medical teams and administrative staff. Their leadership ensures the efficient and safe delivery of patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Nurse, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership abilities, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing along with RN licensure. Familiarity with hospital management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and staff scheduling systems is important for effective operations. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and team-building skills help foster a positive work environment and ensure patient care standards are met. These skills are essential for coordinating care, managing staff, and maintaining high-quality healthcare delivery.

What is the difference between Head Nurse vs Registered Nurse?

AspectHead NurseRegistered Nurse
CredentialsRN license, additional leadership trainingRN license, possibly specialty certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilitiesDirect patient care in various settings
ResponsibilitiesOversees nursing staff, manages patient care protocols, coordinates team activitiesProvides direct patient care, administers treatments, monitors patient progress

In summary, while both Head Nurses and Registered Nurses hold RN licenses and work in healthcare settings, Head Nurses have additional leadership responsibilities, overseeing staff and managing patient care teams. Registered Nurses focus primarily on direct patient care and clinical tasks.

How to make 300,000 as a nurse?

To earn $300,000 as a head nurse, professionals typically need extensive experience, advanced certifications, and may work in high-paying specialties or administrative roles. Increasing income can also involve taking on leadership positions, working overtime, or pursuing additional education such as a master's degree in nursing or healthcare management.

How to make 200,000 a year as a nurse?

To earn $200,000 annually as a head nurse, gaining extensive experience, advanced certifications, and pursuing leadership roles such as nurse manager or director can help increase salary. Working in high-paying specialties, such as critical care or anesthesia, and considering employment in regions with higher pay scales also contribute to higher earnings.

How does a Head Nurse balance administrative duties with direct patient care responsibilities?

Head Nurses often juggle a mix of administrative tasks and clinical oversight. While their primary responsibility involves managing nursing staff, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, they also provide hands-on support during critical situations or when the unit is understaffed. Effective time management and delegation are key, as Head Nurses must be available for both staff mentorship and patient advocacy. Collaboration with physicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals is essential to maintain smooth operations and high-quality patient care.

What is the job of a head nurse?

A head nurse, also known as a charge nurse or nurse manager, oversees nursing staff, coordinates patient care, and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations. They manage schedules, provide leadership, and often handle administrative tasks to maintain efficient hospital or clinic operations.

What is the highest paid position in nursing?

The highest paid position in nursing is typically a Nurse Anesthetist, also known as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), who administers anesthesia and requires advanced education and certification. CRNAs often earn significantly higher salaries than other nursing roles due to their specialized skills and responsibilities.
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Head Nurse jobs near you
Head Nurse Manager

Head Nurse Manager

Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc.

Middlesboro, KY

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Appalachian Regional Healthcare rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

607th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

The Head Nurse Manager is accountable for the supervision of nursing services within an assigned unit in order to provide safe, effective and efficient nursing care.

Responsibilities

Supervises the department in an efficient manner by planning, organizing and controlling all activities of the department.

Implement, interpret and enforce work standards and procedures within the unit that are in compliance with hospitals policies, governmental regulations and various regulatory agency requirements. Serve as a role model for nursing staff by complying with established policies and procedures.

Incorporate total quality management concepts into unit operations.

Develop, implement, monitor and enforce the principles of effective nursing care on the unit.

Develop effective communications between unit personnel, physicians and other departments to assure continuity, coordination and collaboration in delivering services.

Provides direct patient care when higher levels of skill and judgement are required. Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served.

Relieve other Head nurse managers and Nurse Supervisors as required. May work different shifts and/or days for orientation, training and evaluation of personnel in the unit.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge in the field so they may recommend new services, products and equipment.

Continue professional development by attending education programs designed for nursing leaders.

Interview, select, evaluate, discipline and terminate personnel or recommending such action as necessary. Assure that employees receive orientation and required in-service training and that they maintain required licensure or certification. Maintain personnel records as required.

Develop work schedules and assign unit personnel on the basis of patient needs and appropriate nursing intervention.

Head Nurse Manager

Position Description

Page 2

Supervise labor relations activities in the assigned area.

Prepare the departmental budget, routine and special reports and various forms and documents as required. Attend or conduct meetings as necessary.

Adhere to the infection control policies and procedures of the hospital.

May work off shifts, weekends and holidays, be on-call and work more than standard hours.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from an approved school of nursing and current non-limited licensure in state.

BS or MSN is preferred.

Minimum of five (5) years experience and demonstrated management and clinical skills.

Employment Type: OTHER

What Appalachian Regional Healthcare employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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