Who typically supervises nurses during a shift?

The supervision of nurses during a shift is typically the responsibility of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Registered nurses hold advanced training and education, which equips them to oversee and coordinate care for patients. They are trained to assess patient needs, manage complex cases, and ensure that nursing care is delivered following established protocols and standards.

Licensed practical nurses also have essential skills in providing basic nursing care and can supervise support staff, including nursing assistants. In many healthcare settings, a registered nurse may take on a leadership role to guide and mentor less experienced nurses, ensuring that patient care is delivered safely and effectively.

While nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, and medical assistants play vital roles in patient care, their primary functions do not typically include supervising nurses actively. Nurse practitioners can indeed have a supervisory role over certain aspects of patient care, but this does not encompass the everyday supervision of nursing staff like registered nurses or licensed practical nurses provide. Medical assistants are primarily involved in clinical and administrative tasks rather than supervision of nursing personnel.