GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF NURSING

JOB DESCRIPTION

Functions Duties Policies and Procedures

Nursing Standards Organizing Committee for Hospital Services

2005
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Functions & Duties Policies & Procedures
___________________________________________________
JOB DESCRIPTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SN POLICY TITLE

1. DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES

2. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES

3. NURSING SUPERVISOR ROTATING NURSING SUPERVISOR
4. HEAD NURSE
5. STAFF NURSE
6. ASSISTANT NURSE
7. DIRECTOR OF NURSING EDUCATION
8. CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Director of Nursing Services

Reports To: Medical Director
Accountable To: Medical Director
Overall Responsibility:

1. Responsible for the provision of the optimum standard nursing services and activities in the hospital.

2. Delegate responsibility and authority to appropriate nursing staff.

3. Ensure effective communication within the Nursing Service and with other Departments.

4. Manages and directs the activities of the Nursing Services Department to

carry out the objectives of the Organization in providing quality health care
to patients and participating in community and governmental health
programs.
5. Represents Nursing In policy development and decision making within the
organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial
1. Guides the development and implementation of goals, objectives,
protocols, standards, policies and procedures in the Nursing Department
which facilitate the highest possible standard of care with the resource
available and which are consistent with those of the hospital.
2. Performs all managerial functions common to the department level as
established by Organization management.
3. Studies and evaluates trends and practices, new technology, methods and
systems, supplies and equipment for applicability and use in providing
nursing care and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nursing
Services.
4. Develops new and revised policies and procedures covering areas of
responsibility and established department rules and guides personnel in
carrying these out.
 5. Solves problems as they may arise out of the performance of duties of the
respective nursing functions, especially with regards to nursing care of
patients.
6. Interprets and defines, in collaboration with key nursing personnel, the
scope and limitations of nursing practice in order to provide for the safe,
appropriate and effective nursing care of patients.
7. Establishes Nursing committees, special project teams and study groups,
evaluates and decides on implementation of their recommendations.
8. Plans, organizes, directs, evaluates and controls the goals and programs
of the Nursing Service to coordinate responsibilities and major activities
and to develop and implement the organization plan for nursing care.
9. Establishes an organizational plan, channels of communication and
department structure to achieve the goals and objectives of the Nursing
Department.
10. Interpret and puts into effect administrative policies established by the
hospital.
11. Establishes an organizational plan, channels of communication and
department structure to achieve the goals and objectives of the Nursing
Department.
12. Incorporates Infection Control, safety and quality assurance programs into
objectives and activities of the Nursing Department.
13. Directs and delegates management of professional and ancillary nursing
staff.
14. Analyzes and evaluates nursing and related services rendered to
improved quality of care.
15. Promotes coordination and consistency of activities of various nursing
units.
16. Keeps the Director of the Medical Services informed about nursing issues
and activities.

Personnel
1. Establishes performance standards with which to measure competence,
effectiveness and efficiency of nursing service personnel and activities.
2. Facilitates a comfortable, healthy living environment for nursing staff.
3. Coordinates activities for contracting, promoting, evaluation, counseling
and disciplining of nursing staff.
 4. Provides system to maintain relevant records, statistics and files in the
Nursing Department.

Professional
1. Ensures that education and other nursing orientation programs are
provided to encourage high standards of patient care and the professional
growth of the nursing staff.
2. Approves the training and nursing education programs.
3. Consults with other departments to establish effective working
relationships and to ensure the best possible level of patient care.
4. Contributes to hospital and administrative committees, projects and other
activities as requested.
5. Facilitates and promotes harmonious relationships among nursing
personnel, and with medical and other hospital staff, patients, and the
public.
6. Conducts meeting, conferences and discussions with nursing staff to
encourage participation in developing and implementing departmental
policies and standards and to keep them informed about relevant issues.

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Deputy/Assistant Director of Nursing

Reports To: Director of Nursing
Accountable To: Director of Nursing
Overall Responsibility:

1. Under the direction of the Director of the Nursing, participates in the planning,
implementation, management and evaluation of nursing services.
2. Assist the Director of Nursing in providing leadership and guidance to nursing
staff through the Nursing Supervisors and other Nursing Managers.
3. Ensure effective communication within the Nursing Service and with other
Departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial
1. Assists with the development and implementation of nursing goals,
objectives, protocols, standards, policies and procedures in order to
facilitate the highest possible standard of care within the resources
available.
2. Utilizes the established organizational plan, channels of communication
and department structure to achieve the goals and objectives of the
Nursing Department.
3. Implements administrative policies established by the hospital.
4. Monitors and seeks compliance with infection control, safety and
various quality assurance policies in the Nursing Department.
5. Provides direct leadership, guidance and direction to the Nursing
Supervisors, and indirect supervision of other nursing staff as required to
ensure safe, effective nursing care is being provided to patients in the
hospital.
 6. With the approval of the Director of Nursing, delegates administrative
responsibilities to selected professional nursing staff.
7. Assists with the preparation and administration of the Nursing Department
budget as required.

Personnel
1. Monitors master staffing patterns in the Nursing Department and
recommends adjustments according to changing situations.
2. Meets with and directs Nursing Supervisors concerning clinical and patient
care issues, staffing, and economical utilization of equipments & supplies,
and personnel activities.
3. Facilitates and promotes harmonious relationships among nursing
personnel, and with medical and other hospital staff, patients and the
public.
4. Maintains relevant records, statistics and files in the Nursing
Department

Professional
1. Participates in orientation and other nursing education programs for staff
and students to encourage high standards of patient and professional
growth.
2. Promotes effective working relationships with other departments to
ensure the best possible level of patient care.
3. Participates in activities for contracting, promoting, evaluating,
counseling and disciplining of nursing staff as required.
4. Contributes to nursing, hospital and administrative committees, projects
and other activities as requested.
5. Meets with the Director of Nursing regularly to discuss nursing
issues and to keep him informed about all relevant nursing activities.
6. When requested, assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Director
of Nursing in his absence.
7. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.
Reviewed and Received By: ____________________
Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________

Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration

Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Nursing Supervisor

Reports To: Assistant Director of Nursing / Director of Nursing
Accountable To: Assistant Director of Nursing / Director of Nursing

Overall Responsibility:
4. Under the direction of the Director of the Nursing or its Assistant, directs
nursing unit and activities with defined hospital policies and objective.
5. Provide leadership, guidance and teaching to nursing staff in accordance with
the Hospital and Nursing Department rules, policies and procedures
6. Ensure that nursing care is in accordance with agreed standards and safe
nursing practice.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial
8. Contributes to the development and implementation of the overall nursing
care organization plan.
9. Organizes, directs and supervises daily nursing service on an assigned
unit to assure adequate hospital coverage and quality care
10. Evaluates long and short-range equipment and supply requirements for
nursing care by forecasting service levels and quality of materials on hand.
11. Recommends and participates in development of new patient care
programs for expansion of nursing care services.
12. Writes monthly nursing report to D.O.N. describing activities on specific
unit.
 Personnel
1. Supports the clinical efforts of the nurses at the unit level with a view to
maintaining and improving standards.
2. Directly supervises and evaluates performance of head nurse, providing
counseling and disciplinary action as needed
3. Facilitates and promotes harmonious relationships among nursing
personnel, and with medical and other hospital staff, patients and the
public.
4. Maintains relevant records, statistics and files of nursing staff with the
unit.

Professional
8. Maintains communication with unit medical staff through participation in
regularly scheduled staff meetings.
9. Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of the
hospital quality assurance program through evaluation of services
rendered, quality improvement, and audit of medical records, patient visits,
and counsel with hospital staff.
10. Provides on - call supervisory coverage for hospital.
11. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Rotating Nursing Supervisor

Reports To: Assistant Director of Nursing / Director of Nursing
Accountable To: Assistant Director of Nursing / Director of Nursing

Overall Responsibility:
1. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Nursing, supports the clinical
effort of the nurses at ward / department level with a view to maintaining and
improving patient care at evening and night time.
2. Encourage all nurses on wards / departments to participate in the
evening/night care of patients.
3. Monitors drug administration and storage in units ensuring that the policies
relating to drugs are strictly adhered to.
4. Act as liaison with the doctors on duty at evening/night and ensure good
working relationships.
5. Advise and assist charge nurse and staff nurses in clinical activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial
1. Performs the duties of the Assistant Director of Nursing / Director of
Nursing in their absence if necessary as advised by Assistant Director of
Nursing / Director of Nursing or own initiative.
2. Checks night reports and census sheets from wards, ensuring accuracy.
3. Aids ADON / DON with statistical works as required.

Personnel
1. Aids ADON in coordinating staff leave on the units.
2. Aids the Head Nurse in all written procedures, assisting define Junior Staff
when required.
3. Advises and counsels nursing staff when required, initiating disciplinary
procedures with ADON.
 Professional
1. Attends evening/night duty meetings, and occasional day duty meetings,
participating in activities as required with an automatic right to place items
on agenda.
2. Participates in quality assurance programs.
3. Initiates and participates in teaching sessions

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Head Nurse

Reports To: Nursing Supervisor
Accountable To: Director of Nursing

Overall Responsibility:
Under general direction, , is responsible and accountable for the administrative
and clinical management of a designated ward or clinical area

Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial
1. Participates in the development and implementation of unit goals,
objectives, protocols, standards, policies and procedures that are
consistent with those of the Nursing Service and the hospital.
2. Monitors and directs administrative and clinical activities in the assigned
ward or unit to ensure the highest possible level of patient care.
3. Directly supervises and evaluates performance of all nursing staff
assigned to the ward or clinical area, providing counseling and disciplinary
action as needed.
4. Acts as a clinical resource person for direct patient care.
5. Participates in patient placement decisions for optimal utilization of beds
based on priority patient needs.
6. Complies with infection control, safety and quality assurance programs in
the unit.
Personnel
4. Defines master staffing plan for assigned ward or unit.
5. Schedules and assigns duties and tasks to nursing staff working in the
unit. Responsible for duties ROTA.
6. Completes personnel documents for assigned staff as required; e.g.
payroll forms, vacation requests, performance appraisals..
 Professional
1. Encourages an economical approach to the utilization of equipment
and supplies while maintaining an appropriate ward stock to meet patient
care needs.
2. Cooperates with educators to develop, implement and evaluate a unit-
specific orientation program and other learning experiences for self,
colleagues and assigned staff.
3. Ensures participation of ward/unit staff in educational programs to facilitate
quality patient care and promote professional growth for self and assigned
staff.
4. Participates in the planning and provision of learning experiences for
nursing students who may be assigned to the nursing units.
5. Ensures that established channels of communication are followed within
the Nursing Services Department and the hospital.
6. Ensures effective communication within the unit including
endorsements/reports, documentation in the medical record, collaboration
and interaction with other departments, regular staff meetings.
7. Participates in meetings, committees and special projects as
requested by Nursing Administration.
8. Performs other duties as assigned or required

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Staff Nurse

Reports To: Head Nurse / Charge Nurse
Accountable To: Head Nurse / Charge Nurse

Overall Responsibility:
1. Directly reports to senior nurse in organization regarding all nursing
issues, procedures and nursing quality assurance protocol.
2. The staff nurse must work closely in supporting the multidisciplinary
team approach and be fully conversant of all nursing and hospital policies
and procedures
3. Provide optimal nursing care through a planned multidisciplinary and
trans-cultural approach aimed at the mission of the Hospital and
maintaining the culture, values and practices of Saudi Arabia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Aware of and understand the nursing policies and procedures of the

hospital and ensure that they are adhered to.
2. Ensure that nursing care plans are written and up to date. Always taking
the patients individual needs into account.
3. Ensure that the nursing section of the patient's progress notes are
maintained and that each entry reflects accurately on the patients
physical/mental state and response to treatments.
4. Maintain ward records and statistics as indicated by nursing policy.
5. Ensure proper use of all hospital equipment. Maintaining economical use
and reporting all equipment malfunctions.
6. Check all equipment for normal function on daily basis.
7. Ensure continuity of care by communicating and reporting all patient care
plans and activities to appropriate personnel.
 Clinical:

1. Responsible to the head nurse or charge nurse.

2. Identifies patient's needs. Plans and implements care accordingly.
3. Evaluates goals and objectives of care plans.
4. Attends and participates in all community meetings and other
therapeutic meetings as required.
5. Develops interpersonal and communication skills with patients.
6. Assists patients in therapeutic activity as directed by the treatment team
e.g. gymnasium activities. Observes and interacts with patients in TV
room.
7. Ensures comfort and safety of patients at all times.
8. Ensures custody of patients’ belongings according to hospital policy.
9. Ensures protection of patients’ confidentiality and security of patients’
files at all times.
10. Maintains maximum observation and accurate written reports on all
patients under special observation.
11. Obtains specimens of urine for routine screening as laid down by
hospital policy.
12. Ensures patients safety and care during transfer to other
hospital/departments.
13. Attends ward meetings as directed by head nurses.
14. Welcomes new patients to the ward and provides information of ward
schedules and activities.
15. Encourages function of health and precaution of illness at all times.

Professional:
1. Act always in such a way as to promote and safeguard the well being
and interest of patients.
2. Ensure that no action or omission is detrimental to the condition and
safety of patients.
3. Attend in-service educational programs as assigned.
4. Partakes in the nurse-training program as and when required.
5. Promote own professional growth by keeping informed and adhering to
the regulations of health care in the Kingdom.
6. Acknowledge limitations of competence and refuse in such cases to
accept delegated functions without first having received instruction.
 I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Nurse Assistant

Reports To: Head Nurse / Charge Nurse
Accountable To: Head Nurse / Charge Nurse

Overall Responsibility:
Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Assistant Nurse performs
assigned duties which are centered on the patient's well-being, comfort and
privacy.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist with admission, transfer, and discharge of patient

2. Orient patient to over all physical environment including use of call bell,
side rails, bed control, lights, etc.
3. Take and record vital signs, height and weight of patient. Record and
report abnormal findings to Head Nurse or charge nurse
4. Prepare patient and his environment at meal times. Feed patient as
indicated
5. Make occupied and unoccupied beds
6. Ambulates patients
7. Answer call lights and reports all unusual conditions to the Head/Charge
Nurse

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Director of Nursing Education

Reports To: Director of Nursing
Accountable To: Director of Nursing

Overall Responsibility:
Responsible and accountable for the formulation, planning and presentation
of all academic and clinical educational activities designed to promote,
support and enhance the quality of nursing care

Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial
17. Ensure that education and other nursing orientation programs are
provided to encourage high standards of patient care and the professional
growth of the nursing staff.
18. Manage the educational activities of the nursing department
19. Review, update or design the system of education and activities and
initiate change as needed
20. Promote continuing nursing education and in-service training programs
21. Prepare reports and maintain records.
22. Control and maintain learning resource materials

Personnel
5. Supervise professional activities of clinical instructors
6. Maintain personnel files as required
7. Generate environment conducive to teaching and learning
8. Encourage innovation and change as appropriate
 Professional
7. Liaise in the planning and presentation of nursing conferences, symposia
and workshops
8. Promote professional linkages with outside educational institutions.
9. Consults with other departments to establish effective working
relationships and to ensure the best possible level of patient care.
10. Contributes to hospital and administrative committees, projects and other
activities as requested.
11. Facilitates and promotes harmonious relationships among nursing
personnel, and with medical and other hospital staff, patients, and the
public.
12. Conducts meeting, conferences and discussions with nursing staff to
encourage participation nursing education
13. Collaborate in the procurement of professional references and other
relevant materials necessary for nursing education.

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________
Ministry of Health, General Nursing Administration
Function & Duties Policies & Procedures
______________________________________________________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Clinical Instructor

Reports To: Director of Nursing Education
Accountable To: Director of Nursing Education

Overall Responsibility:
1. Under the instruction and guidance of the Director of Nursing Education is
responsible and accountable for the enhancement and maintenance of
nursing skills in the designated clinical areas
2. Promote excellence in patient care by doing bedside teaching and
encouraging the creation of teaching/learning environment
3. Provide professional mentorship for nursing staff

Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial
23. Establish productive and interesting educational activities
24. Ensure use of departmental resources
25. Prepare statistics and/or monthly report of daily activities
26. Maintain clinical teaching record

Personnel
9. Supervise professional competences of staff in the clinical area
10. Generate environment conducive to teaching and learning
11. Liaise with Nursing Supervisor or to the Unit Head Nurse or Charge Nurse
educational activities related to the unit
 Professional
14. Identify level of competency of nurses in the clinical area
15. Plan and conduct teaching sessions appropriate to staff level of
competency
16. Conduct regular staff evaluation and coordinate result to Nursing
Supervisor
17. Assist with planning unit in service training program
18. Participate and supervise training activities of nursing interns in
collaboration with the school clinical instructor.
19. Liaise in the planning and presentation of nursing conferences, symposia
and workshops
20. Conducts meeting, conferences and discussions with nursing staff to
encourage participation nursing education
21. Collaborate in the procurement of professional references and other
relevant materials necessary for nursing education.

I have reviewed this job description with my immediate supervisor and have
received a copy of the job description.

Reviewed and Received By: ____________________

Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _______________________________________________