This document is a job description for the position of Head Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The Head Nurse has overall administrative and clinical responsibility for the ICU and ensures optimal quality nursing care that reflects the hospital's philosophy. Key responsibilities include administration of the unit, clinical care, teaching, and compliance with accreditation standards. The Head Nurse is required to have a nursing registration, licenses, certifications in life support, and at least 4 years of nursing experience including 2 years as a staff nurse in relevant specialties.

1. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
HEAD NURSE – INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
REPORTS TO DIRECTOR OF NURSING
DEPARTMENT JOB CODE
NURSING NR-003-1
EFFECTIVE DATE DATE REVISED NO. OF PAGES
February 2014, Version 4 January 2014 Page 1 of 7
1. BASIC FUNCTIONS
1.1 Has overall administrative charge and responsibility for optimal quality
nursing care in the Intensive Care Unit, ensuring that the services reflects
the hospital philosophy of care.
2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES
2.1. ADMINISTRATION:
2.1.1 Makes the necessary requisitions for the replenishment of
consumable stock items and submits formal communication to the
designated department in case of malfunctioning of equipment and
defective instruments in the Unit.
2.1.2 Communicates and liaises with all hospital Unit/Departments as
needed.
2.1.3 Maintains an up-to-date record of all drugs, I.V. fluids, etc., as
required by the Pharmacy, and ensures that the rules and
regulations governing the administration, storage and custody of
all drugs, particularly controlled drugs and narcotics are strictly
observed at all times.

2. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
HEAD NURSE – INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
JOB CODE NO. OF PAGES
NR-003-1 Page 2 of 7
2.1.4 Allocates manpower resources by making the month schedule of
shifts and duties and ensures that the department has
appropriate staffing, and enhancing the morale of its staff.
2.1.5 Coordinates and monitors activities of all staff in the delivery of
patient care.
2.1.6 Assesses levels of performance of all staff in the Unit and submits
reports to the Nursing Supervisor as appropriate for the purpose
of promotion, re-contracting and release.
2.1.7 Reports to the Nursing Supervisor any untoward incidents,
accidents and staff sickness so that proper response can be
made.
2.1.8 Forecasts, identifies, resolves and prevents problems in the Unit
and recommends revisions to the policies and procedures as
necessary.
2.1.9 Facilitates and participates in any research projects.
2.1.10 Ensures that all NICU/Nursery staff knows, understand and follow
Unit standard operating procedures and are familiar with the use
and function of instruments and equipments.
2.1.11 Facilitates the provision of Unit-base orientation, guidance and
direction, training of new staff as well as counseling in order to
enhance staff self-esteem.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
HEAD NURSE – INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
JOB CODE NO. OF PAGES
NR-003-1 Page 3 of 7
2.1.12 Conducts monthly staff evaluation / monthly meeting.
2.1.13 Implements standard universal precautions within the Unit.
2.1.14 Ensures that all staff knows and understand and follow
department policies and procedures concerning CPR, fire,
disaster, safety, etc., and are familiar with the use and functions
of all the department equipment.
2.1.15 Provides Unit statistics as required according to agreed
guidelines, for statistical gathering.
2.2 CLINICAL:
2.2.1 Ensuring that the highest standard of clinical care is maintained by
the introduction and implementation of a systematic approach to
planning and delivery of nursing care, allocating available resources
and the nursing staff responsibilities appropriately, providing
adequate supervision and guidance where necessary.
2.2.2 Ensures and fosters a good relation between all health care
professionals.
2.2.3 Ensures that continuity of care is maintained by the take-over and
hand-over reports, with clear communication at all times.
2.2.4 Ensures ongoing review and revision of nursing policies and
procedures.

4. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
HEAD NURSE – INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
JOB CODE NO. OF PAGES
NR-003-1 Page 4 of 7
2.2.5 Ensures that doctor’s orders and patient management plans are
followed and that appropriate steps are taken, including immediate
notification of the Resident/Consultant-in-Charge or On-Call, of any
deterioration from the expected course of the patient’s condition;
exercises advocacy and accountability for the patient’s interest at all
times.
2.2.6 Ensures that the appropriate records of the patient’s progress are
maintained according to the Unit’s policies and procedures.
2.2.7 Develops and coordinates the Quality Improvement Program within
his/her area of responsibilities.
2.2.8 Promotes patient’s education.
2.3 TEACHING:
2.3.1 Plans, provides and participates in Unit or hospital-wide clinical and
professional educational activities. Liaises with Nursing Educator as
necessary.
2.3.2 Promotes personal professional growth and educational
and career development.
2.3.3 Ensures that all staff knows and understand department
policies and procedures concerning CPR, fire, disaster,
emergency codes etc.
2.3.4 Follow all ACCREDITATION BODIES STANDARDS (e.g. CBAHI,

5. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
HEAD NURSE – INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
JOB CODE NO. OF PAGES
NR-003-1 Page 5 of 7
JCI…etc) related to his/her day to day work and participates actively in
quality and performance improvement activities as guided by the Total
Quality Management Department.
3. EDUCATION
3.1. Essential:
 Appropriate qualification and statutory nursing registration in the country
from where recruited – RGN/RN
 SCFHS License
 BCLS/ACLS/PALS Certificate
4. EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
4.1. Professional Experience:
4.1.1.Essential:
 Four years post-basic experience that must include: Two years
experience as a Staff in the relevant specialties.
4.2. Specialized Knowledge/Experience:
4.2.1.Essential:
 Known to exhibit good interpersonal relations
 Proven clinical and managerial skills
4.2.2.Desirable:

6. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
HEAD NURSE – INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
JOB CODE NO. OF PAGES
NR-003-1 Page 6 of 7
 Fluent in speaking English/Arabic
5. OTHERS
5.1 Conditions:
5.1.1.This job description will become effective from the date signed by
the General Manager.
5.1.2.This job description shall be subject to periodic review and or as per
hospital rule and may be changed at any time, in consultation with
the employee.
6. APPROVALS
NAME TITLE SIGNATURE DATE
Prepared by Mr. Jude Daniel
Villanueva
Quality Nurse
Prepared by Human Resources
Manager
Reviewed by Mrs. Amneh Dagher Director of Nursing
Reviewed by TQM Director
Approved by Mr. Yahia Algahtani Chief Executive Officer

7. JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
HEAD NURSE – INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)
JOB CODE NO. OF PAGES
NR-003-1 Page 7 of 7
7. EMPLOYEE CONFORMANCE
Level/Grade Type of Position:
Full-time
Part-time
Contractor
Intern
Hours/week
Exempt
Nonexempt
Date Hired:
I have reviewed this job description upon duty joining and have received
a copy. I also understand all described duties and functions that are
expected of me, and I therefore commit myself to fulfill the
responsibilities described herein to the best of my abilities.

48
Name:
Position:
Signature:
Date: