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Nurse job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$77,600per year, about $37 an hour
Range$59,450 to $120,250 a year
Hourly$28 to $57 an hour
EducationNurses typically have medical education from either a diploma from a nursing program, an associate's, or a bachelor's degree in nursing.
Also calledRegistered Nurse, Nursing Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant
DepartmentHealthcare and Medical
The role

What is a Nurse?

A nurse is a professional who provides medical care for patients. They are responsible for diagnosing their patient’s condition and then following up with a treatment to help them get better. Nurses also educate people about the importance of good health to prevent future illnesses, injuries, or disabilities.

Nurses are the most trusted profession in America. There are more than three million nurses currently working, and they will be needed even more in the future as our population continues to grow.

What to screen for

The top Nurse skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
CommunicationThe ability to communicate effectively is at the top of the list. Nurses need to be able to communicate with patients, doctors, and other nurses. They need to be able to explain things clearly and concisely.
Critical ThinkingThey need to be able to assess a situation and make decisions quickly. They also need to be able to spot potential problems and come up with solutions.
CalmThe ability to stay calm under pressure is another essential skill for nurses. They deal with sick and injured people every day, and sometimes things can get pretty hectic. They need to be able keep their cool in difficult situations.
Team WorkThe ability to work well as part of a team is another important skill for nurses. They need to be able to collaborate with other nurses and doctors in order to provide the best care possible.
RecordkeepingThey need to be able track patients’ medical histories and make sure that all of the information is up-to-date. This can be a challenge, but it’s important for providing quality care.
Free template

The job description, ready to post.

Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.

NurseHealthcare and Medical · Free to use and edit

We seek a qualified and experienced Registered Nurse to provide nursing care and psychological support to various patients. The chosen candidate must be an excellent multi-tasker, work well in a multi-disciplinary team, and show compassion in their work. We have a great team of highly skilled practitioners, and we are looking for someone to join us for this advantageous position.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Evaluate patient’s needs and meet their care requirements
  • Help create a psychologically nurturing environment by establishing rapport with patients and treating them with kindness and compassion.
  • Perform routine diagnostic checks (check blood pressure and temperature, administer medications and injections, etc.)
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care
  • Adhere to HIPAA laws and respect patient’s privacy and confidentiality
  • Adhere to standard care regulations and infection-control policies to ensure quality care and a safe and clean working environment
  • Document patient’s needs, irregularities, and all care provided according to facility protocol on time

Requirements

  • Previous RN work experience
  • Registered Nursing Certification
  • Multi-tasking skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Must be willing to deal with difficult people in high-stress situations
  • Can take instruction and follow through without complaint
  • Kind and compassionate
  • Works well in a team
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

Degree first, then the certification.

Nurses typically have medical education from either a diploma from a nursing program, an associate's, or a bachelor's degree in nursing. In addition, all registered nurses must be licensed in all states.

RN

Registered Nurse License

Validates the holder's qualifications to practice as a registered nurse.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Treat these as a signal, not a requirement. Plenty of strong candidates come up through experience without one.
After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Nurse.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • Why did you decide to become a nurse?
  • What do you find to be the most challenging tasks of being a nurse?
  • Would you please tell me about a time you had with a patient who confirmed your choice of nurse?
Human Resources
  • What qualities do you feel a nurse must have to be successful?
  • What methods have you developed that make you great with patients?
  • How do you handle the stress of being a nurse?
Management
  • What type of management style do you work well with?
  • What are your long-term goals?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • Why do you think a nurse is a vital part of patient care?
  • Why do you want to be a nurse at this medical facility?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$59,450
25th percentile$68,525
Median$77,600
75th percentile$89,850
90th percentile$120,250

Hourly equivalents run from $28 at the 10th percentile to $57 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Registered Nurse

Nurses are the backbone of every medical team.

$87,868 median

Nursing Assistant

$37,838 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

What are the different types of nurses?

There are many different types of nurses, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). RNs are the most common type of nurse, providing direct care to patients. LPNs provide primary nursing care, and NPs are advanced practice nurses who can prescribe medication and order diagnostic tests.

What are the education requirements for becoming a nurse?

To become a registered nurse, you must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. LPNs must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Nurse practitioners must have a master's or doctoral degree in nursing.

How much do nurses make?

Nurses' salaries vary depending on their experience, education, and location. RNs in the United States earn an average salary of $70,000 annually. LPNs make an average salary of $77,600 annually, and NPs make an average salary of $105,000 annually.

What are the benefits of being a nurse?

Nurses enjoy many personal and professional benefits, including job satisfaction, flexible work schedules, and good pay. Nurses also have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their patients.

What are some common misconceptions about nurses?

One common misconception about nurses is that they are "just" caregivers who provide primary medical care. However, nurses play a vital role in patient care by providing expert knowledge and skills to detect early signs of illness.

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