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Head Rn Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Veracity

RN Critical Care

Des Moines, IA · On-site

RN Critical Care 1 Contractor Onsite position Des Moines, IA, United States, 50314 Skills RN ... Maintaining standard unit activities in the absence of the Head Nurse; and Performing other related ...

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Head Rn information

See Iowa salary details

$31.5K

$79.4K

$109.9K

How much do head rn jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for head rn in Iowa is $79,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Head RN do?

A Head RN, or Head Registered Nurse, is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or clinic. They manage daily operations, coordinate patient care, and ensure that nursing protocols and standards are followed. Head RNs also handle administrative tasks, mentor junior nurses, and act as a liaison between staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals. Their leadership ensures high-quality patient care and efficient nursing team performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head RN?

To thrive as a Head RN, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership skills, and a BSN or higher degree along with an active RN license. Familiarity with hospital management systems, EHRs, and compliance protocols is typically required, and certification in nursing leadership or administration is often preferred. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and team management skills set exceptional Head RNs apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high standards of patient care, effective staff coordination, and regulatory compliance in healthcare environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head RN when managing a nursing team, and how can they be addressed?

As a Head RN, one of the most common challenges is balancing administrative responsibilities with direct patient care and team management. Ensuring clear communication, addressing staff concerns promptly, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial for team cohesion. Additionally, managing shift schedules, handling conflicts, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations require strong organizational and leadership skills. Many successful Head RNs regularly hold team meetings and prioritize ongoing training to keep staff engaged and aligned with best practices.

What is the difference between Head Rn vs Registered Nurse?

AspectHead RnRegistered Nurse
CredentialsRN license, additional leadership or management certificationsRN license, possibly specialty certifications
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, administrative settings, hospital managementPatient care, clinical settings, hospitals, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare organizations, clinics with leadership responsibilitiesHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Search & Comparison IntentLeadership, management, healthcare administrationPatient care, clinical nursing roles

The Head Rn typically holds leadership and administrative responsibilities within healthcare settings, requiring additional certifications and experience. In contrast, a Registered Nurse focuses primarily on direct patient care. While both roles require an RN license, the Head Rn's role emphasizes management, policy implementation, and team oversight, making it suitable for those seeking leadership positions in healthcare.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rn jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Rn jobs in Iowa are:

Head Rn jobs near you

Registered Nurse - School Year Position

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

GovernmentJobs.com
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about GovernmentJobs.comexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse - School Year Position

The Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired are currently accepting applications for a Registered Nurse. This position will work independently performing a myriad of tasks including: student care, medication distribution, updating records, chart auditing, research, and collaboration on school health topics, etc.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION :

Under general supervision of the Head Registered Nurse, provides nursing care to deaf/hard of hearing and blind/visually impaired students within the health center at the Council Bluffs campus location.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

  • Observes and reports symptoms and conditions of patients, including general physical and mental state.

  • Provides emergency medical care and treatment to students and staff.

  • Provides medical care and supervision to students who are confined to the Health Center.

  • Administers care to acutely ill patients.

  • Administers medication and treatments and notes patients' reactions to same.

  • Orders and restocks medication and other medical supplies.

  • Coordinates with other departments on campus to ensure continuity of care for each student and to ensure that special needs of students are being met.

  • Communicates with parents in order to obtain information relative to each student's medical history and also to provide follow-up information to parents.

  • Utilizes correct nursing procedures and promotes the comfort and safety of all patients.

  • Maintains various reports, records, and documentation relating to health care and medical history of students.

  • Educates students and staff about health care issues and serves as a resource for students and staff.

  • Performs a variety of cleaning and sanitation duties, including changing and laundering of towels, bed linens, students' clothing, etc.; cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment, tabletops, and countertops; and other related duties.

The tasks listed under the heading of Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities are examples of the variety and general nature of duties performed by employees in positions allocated in the class. The list is descriptive only and should be used for no other purpose. It is not intended that any position include every duty listed nor is it intended that related duties cannot be required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

  • Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice.

  • Knowledge of current medications, their actions and uses.

  • Knowledge of quality standards, procedures and protocols.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, and parents.

  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

  • Ability to collect information objectively and record information accurately.

  • Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.

  • Background check required.

BENEFITS: Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
  • Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
  • Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
  • Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
  • Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here .

Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Excited to pursue the next step in your career? Apply today!

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

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