head-nurse
Definition
Noun: A head-nurse is a senior nurse who is responsible for supervising other nurses and managing the overall nursing care in a hospital ward or department. This role combines clinical expertise with administrative duties.
Usage Examples
- (The senior nurse checked medical records.)
- (She became the supervisor of the nursing staff.)
- (The senior nurse organizes the work timetable.)
Advanced Usage
"to report to the head-nurse": to inform or give updates to the senior nurse in charge.
- All nursing assistants must report to the head-nurse at the start of each shift. (They must check in with the supervisor.)
"acting head-nurse": a nurse temporarily performing the duties of a head-nurse.
- During the head-nurse's leave, the most experienced staff nurse served as acting head-nurse. (A temporary supervisor filled the role.)
Variants and Related Words
Nurse (n): a person trained to care for the sick or infirm.
- The nurse administered the medication with care. (A healthcare professional gave medicine.)
Head (adj): chief or leading in rank.
- The head doctor made the final decision. (The principal physician decided.)
Supervisor (n): a person who oversees work or workers.
- The supervisor checked the quality of the cleaning. (The person in charge inspected.)
Synonyms
- Charge nurse: a nurse who is in charge of a ward for a specific shift.
- Nursing manager: a nurse who manages nursing staff and patient care.
- Matron (chiefly British, historical): a senior nurse in charge of a hospital department.
Related Idioms
"The head-nurse runs the show": an informal expression meaning the head-nurse is in charge of operations.
- Even the doctors consult the head-nurse; she runs the show on this ward. (She has the authority and control.)
"A head-nurse's eye": a keen ability to notice details, especially in patient care.
- Nothing escapes a head-nurse's eye; she spotted the error immediately. (She has a sharp, observant perspective.)