Staff Nurse Salary

A staff nurse is a registered nurse employed in a health care facility such as a hospital or nursing home to work as a “floor nurse” providing direct care to the patients. Daily activities of a staff nurse include receiving a patient assignment (generally 4 to 6 patients per nurse), assessment of each patient, administering daily medications, attending to patient needs, facilitating patient, family and physician communication, assisting the physician with bedside procedures, monitoring laboratory results, delivering meals and snacks as needed, and monitoring for any changing in condition and hourly rounding on patients. The staff nurse may also supervision ancillary staff. Attention to detail and organization is key. The staff nurse must keep meticulous medical records, and may be required to use computers for charting. To become employed as a staff nurse, one must complete a minimum of a 2 year degree in nursing, pass a national nursing certification exam (NCLEX) and become licensed as a registered nurse in the state of residence. Employers show preference to those with a 4 year nursing degree. Staff nurses generally work a total of 3 twelve-hour shifts per week. Overtime is occasionally required. Shifts can include nights, weekends, and holidays. Working conditions are fair. The staff nurse role may include heavy lifting of patients, exposure to bodily fluids, and large amounts of time on the feet. A career as a staff nurse is a high-demand field with great rewards.

Staff Nurse Tasks