A clinical nurse coordinator, also known as a charge nurse, is the registered nurse who oversees clinical care and nursing activities on a specific nursing unit during a designated shift.

Features

During his shift, the clinical nurse coordinator implements, supervises and evaluates patient care on his unit. He promotes a safe environment for patients, families, visitors and staff.

Qualifications

A clinical nurse coordinator has an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or, preferably, a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN). Her employer may require two or more years of experience and/or certification in a relevant nursing specialty, according to AllHealthcareJobs.com.

Functions

The clinical nurse coordinator serves as the eyes and ears for the nurse manager on a given shift. He makes rounds on patients and staff, leads by example, and serves as a liaison between the unit and other hospital departments.

Requirements

The clinical nurse coordinator role is physically and mentally demanding. She’ll spend a good deal of her time walking from one patient area to the next to evaluate situations. A competent clinical coordinator juggles competing demands, uses critical thinking skills and smooths over interpersonal disagreements that arise on her shift.

Salary

According to SalaryExpert.com, average yearly salaries for clinical nurse coordinators in November 2009 varied from $23,279 to $41,258.