Writing a nurse job description might be considered mere necessary paperwork for the hiring process, a tick boxing exercise or even administrative task. This belies its importance in attracting the right people. Remember, the job description is often the first thing your prospective candidates will see, making it the equivalent of your shop window. Getting this right is crucial – it will ‘sell’ your hospital or medical practice to potential nurse candidates and ensure the most suitable staff apply.
You want to strike the balance between giving enough information and not drowning the advert with unnecessary amounts of detail, which might risk nurses losing interest. Make sure you attract the right nursing talent by highlighting required skills and remember that an exhaustive list might deter applicants who have plenty of potential.
Consider the below as a nurse job description template:
The ‘pitch’
The role
The person
Minimum requirements
Call to action (apply)
Your own nurse job description will be unique to your particular role, however, there are a number of items that are standard.
Sample nurse job description
Vacancy: Nurse
Hours: Full time, shift pattern
Pay: Competitive + excellent benefits, pension and holiday
We are looking for a registered nurse with demonstrable ability to work well in a fast-paced ward. We offer a varied, supportive work environment alongside excellent remuneration and benefits. The role will suit a team player who is compassionate, who has personable skills and who pays excellent attention to detail.
Responsibilities:
Provide medical care to patients as outlined by their doctor
Monitor patients’ condition and symptoms and relay to ward doctors
Administer necessary treatments and care, including medical treatments, medicinal administration, surgeries, examinations and related duties
Perform regular checks, risk assessments and update patient records accordingly
Devise care plans for patients and ensure patients’ needs are met
Ensure medications are stored and disposed of safely
Manage stocks and supplies as required
Requirements:
Registration as a Registered General Nurse, including up-to-date registration with the NMC
1+ years of post-qualification nursing experience
Experience in a hospital environment
Be able to work well as a part of a team
Have excellent communication skills
Have a caring and compassionate demeanour towards patients
Possess a strong attention to detail
Ability to work well under pressure
We offer a busy, fast-paced environment and a support team of colleagues and management. There is scope for progression for the right candidate.
While demand for qualified nurses far outpace supply, having a strong nurse job description is the first step in attracting the right calibre talent to your medical practice.
If you're finding it challenging to hire a nurse or would like to learn more about the agency nurse staff we have available, please submit a vacancy and we'll get right back to you.