JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF NURSING SUPERINTENDENT The nursing superintendent, who is also called the director of nursing, is responsible for

the running and supervision of a nursing department for 24 hours. Depending on the size of the facility, she may control subsidiary departments, such as housekeeping. Line of Authority : She is accountable to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), if there is no CNO she is responsible to the Medical Superintendent (Director). Planning and organizing nursing services. Participates and prepares in formulation of the Philosophy, objectives for the nursing department in accordance with those of the hospital. Responsible for delegation of duties to nursing personnel working under her at various levels. Responsible for allotment and rotation of the nursing staff to the various wards and units in planned manner depending on the suitability and qualification as well as the need of the hospital. Assists the authorities during emergencies in setting up special nursing squads words or any other machinery as required. Plans and organizes to setup a new ward or department in a hospital.

Nursing Services Administration Responsible for adequate and qualitative nursing care of the patients receiving treatment in the indoor or the out-door. Interview and recruits nursing staff and other staff whose duties are related to nursing. Prepares annual statistics and projects manpower needed for patient care. Attending the correspondence related to nursing service from outside agencies and individuals. Investigates complaints, prepares reports and takes disciplinary action or recommends the same. Conducts supervisory rounds of wards and departments everyday and ensures that all serious patients are looked after by the supervisory staff. Prepares proposals for special equipments required for nursing services, giving specification and participates in purchase committee meeting as a member. Prepares budget for the nursing service department. Holding departmental meetings allowing free exchange of ideas and reviewing ward staffing. Sanctions or recommends leave to nursing personnel. Maintains individual cumulative records of all nursing staff.

Writing reports Confidential reports of nursing staff, annual report of the nursing department depleting achievements, future plans of expansion-any other report that may be required to be submitted. Analyses daily reports/census on hospital situation, e.g. admission, discharge etc. in order to replace nursing manpower or submit reports to higher authority. Takes active interest in staff development programme. Provides guidance and counseling to the subordinate staff.
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Serve on several hospital committees, such as purchase committee, hospital infection control committee, hospital management committee etc.

Supervise nursing staff The top priority of a nursing superintendent is to ensure that the nursing staff members are providing the best care for patients. She makes sure that individual nurses and nurses aides are carrying out care plans. She ensures that communication between shifts happens smoothly and thoroughly. The superintendent also monitors stock and supplies to make sure that nurses have the equipment they need to provide quality care.

Oversee hiring and training The nursing superintendent is responsible for the hiring and training of new staff. She must search for nurses that complement the existing team. Design training program. Make sure that nursing instructors and trainers are adequately preparing new staff for the workplace. Often this includes hearing an evaluation of new nurses from the floor staff during the training period.

Patient care Although the nursing superintendent does not have a high level of direct patient care, she is responsible for the well-being of patients at the facility. This means that the superintendent must monitor nurses' care and the attitude and health of the patients. In cases where the family requests alternate care, the nursing superintendent must hear the request and make the final decision.

Create work schedules Each pay period, the nursing superintendent is responsible for setting the work schedules for the entire department. She must take into account holidays, hear requests for time off, and create a schedule that gives the appropriate number of hours to each nurse. As part of the process, the nursing superintendent assigns duties and floor responsibilities to each nurse.

Make disciplinary decisions In situations where a nurse, nurse's aide, or other staff member is involved in a dispute, the nursing superintendent must handle disciplinary actions. In extreme cases like patient abuse or staff coming to work under the influence, the nursing superintendent is responsible for terminating contracts as needed.

Manage other departments In a large facility, the nursing superintendent may be responsible for directing the activities of the housekeeping, linen, and kitchen facilities. She must handle any problems that arise, communicate with department leaders, and address any supply issues.

Negotiate with vendors

Because the nursing superintendent is responsible for the supply of equipment and medical necessities, she often negotiates with vendors for the new contracts. In large facilities, a purchasing manager may handle these duties and report to the superintendent.

Miscellaneous Responsible that linen, bedding and clothing of all patients are clean and in good repair Responsible to all matters pertaining to leave (including sick leave), dismissal and enrolment of the nursing staff, ward attendants, jamadar, jamadarin and other staff under her (safaiwalas, safaiwalis, durwans, barbers, mazdoors, malies etc.). Countersigns all indents made by the ward sister and satisfy herself that the indents are properly complied and that the articles asked for are necessary in accordance with the ward stock. Inspects all unserviceable articles of the wards and satisfy herself that such articles are beyond repair before they are brought for the final condemnation. Makes surprise round of the hospital once weekly. Ensures that all ward attendants (Male & Female), barbers and other serving under her are acquainted with all standing order which effect them or their duties. Participates in meetings, workshops, seminars of local and state level. Carry out researches or cooperates/encourages others to conduct researches, pilot projects in patient care area. Provides all help and guidance so that the training institute programme can operate smoothly. Encourages and helps nurses to write papers on case- studies, nursing procedures etc. Any other duties assigned by the seniors from time to time

REFERENCES: Basavanthappa B T, Nursing Administartion, 1st ed.(2007), Jaypee Publishers. Pp 546-547 http://www.ehow.com/list_6635090_duties-nursing-superintendent_.html#ixzz1sxtinYlH
http://cipranchi.nic.in/Annexure-A.pdf

Presentation Topic : Job Responsibilities of Nursing Superintendent Subject : Nursing Management