Head Nurses and Supervisors (NOC 3151)

What They Do Head nurses and supervisors perform some or all of the following duties: May provide direct patient care. Supervise registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other nursing personnel Evaluate patients' needs and ensure that required nursing care is delivered Set up and co-ordinate nursing services in conjunction with other health services Ensure quality nursing care is provided and appropriate administrative procedures are followed Assist in the establishment of unit policies and procedures Administer nursing unit budget and ensure that supplies and equipment are available Assist in the selection, evaluation and professional development of nursing personnel Collaborate on research projects related to nursing and medical care and multidisciplinary services

Where They Find Work —    Top Occupational Areas Health care and social assistance 95% The unionization rate (56%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations. The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Head Nurses and Supervisors are found in Quebec and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in Alberta and Ontario.

Related Occupation(s) Registered Nurses (NOC 3152) Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 3233)

Something to Think About

Use the "Where They Find Work" graph to target your worksearch. It may be easier to get into industries with the most people in this field. Want to work in an industry that hires fewer workers in this field? To be more marketable, check out whether you have the most up-to-date knowledge and technology skills for that industry. Check the provincial/territorial or local information (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca) for opportunities in your area.

What You Need Completion of a university, college or other approved registered nursing program is required. Courses in management studies such as the Nursing Unit Administration Course offered by the Canadian Hospital Association or other degree, diploma, certificate or studies in management or administration may be required. Registration as a registered nurse by a provincial or territorial regulatory body or, in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, provincial registration as a registered psychiatric nurse is required. Clinical experience as a registered nurse is required. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.

Required/Related    Educational Programs* This will let you explore the program(s) of study that lead to this (these) occupation(s). Nursing - Other (C561) Religious and Theological Studies (U450) Nursing (U560) Psychology (U870) *  These educational programs are listed in the order in which they are most likely to supply graduates to this occupation.

Useful Experience/Skills Multidisciplinary teamwork Personnel management Committee work Interpersonal skills Training staff		Useful High School Subjects Biology Chemistry Math English
Depending on your background, this Education, Training, and Experience info will help you to: Choose your high school courses Plan your post-secondary program Choose relevant volunteer work Decide what new skills to learn Read job ads, professional journals, and newspapers for what the industry needs and employers want. Talk to employers and employees to find out the exceptional skills and knowledge that will help you land a job.

Current Conditions Your work prospects are rated GOOD because: Employement grew at an average rate. The retirement rate is above average, and the number of retiring workers contributes to job openings. Hourly wages ($27.18) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is also above average. The unemployment rate (1%) is below the 2004 average (7%).

Work Prospects Current   Good   2009   Good

Outlook to 2009 Your work prospects will continue to be GOOD because: The employment growth will likely be above average because of a growing and ageing population that requires increased health services and increased government funding for health care. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job openings will likely exceed the number of job seekers.

Preparing for the Competition You'll find increased employment opportunities in nursing homes.

If you are beginning your career investigation, national outlooks will give you a good overview of trends. Ready to explore an occupation in more detail? Check provincial/territorial or local outlooks (http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca).

What you can expect to make (Average Hourly Earnings ($/hour))
Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 $14.77 $11.74 25-54 $27.00 $19.76 55+ $29.90 $19.59 Overall Average for Ages (20+) This Occupation All Occupations $27.18 $18.07		Hourly wages ($27.18) are above the national average ($18.07). These earnings are above average for occupations in the health sector and close to the average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an above-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Your salary can be affected by your background, the company's size and benefits, and the region and setting (urban or rural). Check out salaries in your own region by seeking info from: Employees/unions/associations Employers/human resource people Training institutions and placement services Company websites Professional/trade journals

Below the average
The unemployment rate (1%) is below the 2004 average (7%). This rate is below the average for professionnal occupations. A low unemployment rate often means less competition for the jobs available. But you still need to have the required training and experience. A high unemployment rate doesn't necessarily mean you'll have great difficulty getting hired. But it can mean a fluctuating demand for workers, and you may experience bouts of unemployment.		Year This Occupation All Occupations 1991 2% 10% 1992 3% 11% 1993 1% 11% 1994 2% 10% 1995 1% 10% 1996 1% 10% 1997 1% 9% 1998 2% 8% 1999 3% 8% 2000 1% 7% 2001 2% 7% 2002 1% 8% 2003 2% 8% 2004 1% 7%

% of Part-time work is close to average
This Occupation All Occupations Full-time 82% 81% Part-time 18% 19%		There were 15,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 27% since 1997. The percentage of part-time workers is 18% compared to the 2004 average (19%) and has risen since 1997.
When full-time work is difficult to find, look at alternatives such as contract work, consulting, shared positions, and telework.

Average
The percentage of self-employed workers (1%) is below the 2004 average (15%)		This Occupation All Occupations Self-Employed 1% 15%
Does this occupation have an above-average rate of self-employment? Consider being your own boss if you can't find work with an employer.

Age Group This Occupation All Occupations 20-24 2% 10% 25-54 81% 72% 55+ 17% 12%		The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The earlier-than-average retirement age (59) combined with an expected older-than-average age (43) of worker will likely result in an above-average retirement rate to 2009.
Look at the youngest group. A low percentage means fewer openings for brand-new workers. A high percentage means more openings for brand-new workers. Look at the oldest age group. A high percentage means positions could open up from retirements. This could be significant for both mid-career changers and brand-new workers.

Above average
The percentage of women (93%) is above the 2004 average of 48% and has stayed about the same since 1997.		This Occupation All Occupations Percent Women 93% 48%

This page last modified on: 2007-03-31