Definition of the word staff nurse

The term "staff nurse" originated in hospitals during the late 19th century as the demand for nursing services increased due to advancements in medical care and the rise of germ theory. At that time, most hospitals employed a small number of trained nurses who served as supervisors or sisters over a group of less-trained auxiliary nurses. The sisters were responsible for managing and directing the work of the auxiliary nurses, who performed most of the daily patient care tasks. Over time, the sisters came to be known as "head nurses," and the auxiliary nurses became known as "staff nurses." The term "staff nurse" became officially recognized when the International Council of Nurses (ICN) developed the first nursing education standards in 1910. These standards specify that staff nurses should have a recognized nursing qualification, such as a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in nursing, and should be working under the supervision of a licensed nurse or physician. Today, staff nurses make up the majority of the nursing workforce and play an essential role in delivering quality patient care in healthcare settings. Their responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring patients' conditions, providing education to patients and their families, and collaborating with the healthcare team to develop individualized care plans for patients.