A professional who supervises and coordinates nursing activities in hospital unit. Responsibilities include:

• Assigns duties and coordinates nursing service.
• Evaluates nursing activities to ensure patient care, staff relations, and efficiency of service.
• Observes nursing care and visits patients to ensure that nursing care is carried out as directed, and treatment administered in accordance with physician's instructions.
• Directs preparation and maintenance of patients' clinical records.
• Inspects rooms and wards for cleanliness and comfort.
• Accompanies physician on rounds, and keeps informed of special orders concerning patients.
• Participates in orientation and training of personnel.
• Orders, or directs ordering of drugs, solutions, and equipment, and maintains records on narcotics.
• Investigates and resolves complaints, or refers unusual problems to superior.