What is a lead nurse?

A lead nurse oversees nursing activities in a specific department of a medical facility. As a lead nurse, your job duties include supervising the nursing staff in your department, ensuring patients receive the treatment and care prescribed by their doctor, and acting as a liaison between the nursing staff and hospital administration. You may also coordinate the activities of nursing interns or students. Some medical departments have one lead nurse, while others have multiple lead nurses who each cover a different shift. Qualifications for this job being a practicing and licensed Registered Nurse (RN), several years of nursing experience, and leadership skills.