NURSING OFFICERS CADRES

NOTE: This New Scheme of Service replaces the hitherto existing Scheme of
Service of year 2003 and Circular No. CND 100/S.6/VII/115 of
December 2006 respectively for Nursing Officers, Nurse Tutor, Staff
Nurse/Staff Midwife and Assistant Nurse Tutor.

1.0 POST AND SALARIES GRADE LEVEL

1.1 Nursing Officer 111 07

1.2 Nursing Officer 11 08

1.3 Nursing Officer/Nurse Educator 1/Nurse Intern 09

1.4 Senior Nursing Officer/Senior Nurse Educator 10

1.5 Principal Nursing Officer/Principal Nurse Educator 12

1.6 Assistant chief Nursing Officer/Assistant Chief Nursing Educator 13

1.7 Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Nurse Educator 14

1.8 Assistant Director /Chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 111/Chief

Nursing Educator Special Grade 111 15

1.9 Deputy Director/Chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 11 16

1.10 Director /Chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 1/Chief

Nursing Educator Special Grade 1 17

2.0 DUTIES

2.1 Nursing Officer 111, Grade Level 07

2.1.1 Managing Patients by assessing his/her history, interviewing him/her and

the family members.

2.1.3 Planning Care of the patients in order of priorities

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2.1.4 Informing Doctors about the patient whose health status indicates the
need medical diagnosis and management.

2.1.5 Help patient/clients meet their indentified needs e.g eating, drinking,
respiration and discharge of water.

2.1.6 Creating a therapeutic environment

2.1.7 Organizing community Nursing Services

2.1.8 Providing technical nursing care e.g. injection, wound dressing,

medication etc.

2.1.9 Keeping adequate records of patients, drugs instrument and equipment.

2.1.10 Maintaining and evaluating the effectiveness of care given to the

patient/client.

2.1.12 Collecting and maintain accurate date for hospital statistics and research
purposes.

2.2 Nursing Officer 11, Grade Level 08

2.21 Supervising Junior staff/students

2.2.2 Collecting and distributing data of physiological, emotional, sociological,

cultural, psychological, and spiritual needs of clients from available
resources.

2.2.3 Identifying and documenting changes in health status which interfere with
clients’ ability to meet basic needs.

2.2.4 Established diagnosis based on clients’ needs.

2.2.5 Developing individual nursing care plans based upon nursing diagnoses.

2.2.6 Implementing individualized plans of care in conjunction with other

nursing staff.

2.2.7 Monitoring and evaluating client’s care

2.2.8 Participating in research activities.

2.3 Nursing Officer 1/Nurse Educator 1/Nurse Intern Grade Level 09

2.3.1 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care Facilities

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2.3.1.1 Coordinating the activities of subordinates and student nurses in the ward

2.3.1.2 Assessing and setting nursing care priorities for individuals and group of
clients.

2.3.1.3 Assessing health status, planning, implementing ad evaluating nursing

care of individuals, families and community.

2.3.1.4 Continually evaluating the effectiveness of nursing intervention and

revisiting it accordingly.

2.3.1.5 Taking responsibility for the process and outcome of the care given to
patient

2.3.1.6 Ensuring availability and proper use of equipment and instrucments.

2.3.1.7 Supervising and ensuring proper record keeping

2.3.1.8 Participating in continuing education programmes on new trends in

nursing practice

2.3.1.9 Liaising with other health team members

2.3.1.10 Appraising the performance of nurses in the ward

2.3.1.11 Participating in research activities

2.3.1.12 Establishing and maintain inventory for audit purposes

2.3.2 In Schools/Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, etc.

2.3.2.1 Teaching and supervising student nurses and student midwives in

accordance with the curricula and standards required by the Nursing and
Council of Nigeria.

2.3.2.2 Maintaining inventory of teaching equipment

2.3.2.3 Investigating, identifying, applying and recommending up-to-date

effective methods of teaching and learning.

2.3.2.4 Participating in the selection and admission of student nurses

2.3.2.5 Giving guidance and counseling to students

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2.3.2.6 Undertaking assessments of students’ progress towards professional
competence and maturity.

2.3.2.7 Participating in and supervising research activities

2.3.2.8 Monitoring and supervising student nurses in clinical areas

2.4 Senior Nursing Officer/Nurse Educator, Grade Level 10

2.4.1 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care facilities

2.4.1.1 Diagnosing and management of minor aliments

2.4.1.2 Educating patients/clients on promotion and maintenance of good health

2.4.1.3 Managing patients/clients’ care

2.4.1.4 Counseling and giving psychotherapy to patients/client and relatives

2.4.1.5 Supervising the activities of subordinates and student nurses

2.4.1.6 Managing ward activities

2.4.1.7 Assessing and setting nursing care priorities for individuals and group of
clients by:

2.4.1.7.1 Utilizing resources for effective client care

2.4.1.7.2 Applying nursing theories in decision-making in nursing practice

2.4.1.7.3 Synthesizing theoretical and empirical knowledge of physical/behavioral

sciences in nursing practice,

2.4.1.8 Assessing health status and evaluating nursing care of individuals, families
and communities.

2.4.1.9 Evaluating the effectiveness of nursing intervention and revisiting it

accordingly

2.4.1.10 Carrying out routine nursing duties

2.4.1.11 Participating in research activities

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2.4.2 In Schools,/Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, etc

2.4.2.1 Teaching and supervising students

2.4.2.2 Supervising subordinate nurse educators

2.4.2.3 Preparing students for hospital and nursing council professional

examination and supervising the examination.

2.4.2.4 Counseling and guiding students

2.4.2.5 Coordinating educational visits for students and orientation programmes

for newly employed staff.

2.4.2.6 Participating in and supervising research activities

2.4.2.7 Monitoring and supervising student nurses in clinical areas

2.5 Principal Nursing Officer/Principal Nurse Educator, Grade Level

12.

2.5.1 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care Facilities

2.5.1.1 Performing general nursing duties

2.5.1.2 Supervising the activities of students

2.5.1.3 Deploying and controlling staff in the unit

2.5.1.4 Assisting in training junior staff

2.5.1.5 Participating in the formulation of policies on nursing matters.

2.5.1.6 Assisting in organizing, orientating and training of staff – (continuing

education)

2.5.1.7 Assisting in planning hospital’s structure; indentifying and making

recommendations for procurement of hospital equipment.

2.5.1.8 Providing and coordinating clinical teaching learning experiences

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2.5.1.9 Preparing financial estimates for the unit

2.5.1.10 Liaising with central administration in matters affecting staff

2.5.1.11 Participating n research activities

2.5.1.12 Collating and writing reports

2.5.1.13 Monitoring and evaluating nursing care delivery within a specialty i.e.
Midwifery, Public Health Nursing, Perioperative Care etc.

2.5.2 In Schools/Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, etc.

2.5.2.1 Teaching and supervising student nurses

2.5.2.2 Supervising nurse educators and clinical instructors

2.5.2.3 Allocating, monitoring and supervising clinical experiences.

2.5.2.4 Organizing, supervising and invigilating examinations

2.5.2.5 Assisting in the evaluation and review of programmes, curriculum

development, preparation of annual estimates, etc.

2.5.2.6 Participating in and supervising research activities

2.6 Assistant Chief Nursing Officer/Assistant Chief Nurse Educator,

Grade level 13

2.6.1 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care facilities

2.6.1.1 Supervising general nursing activities

2.6.1.2 Participating in the administration of the total health sector

2.6.1.3 Participating in the administration of the nursing services

2.6.1.4 Liaising with other members of the health care team in coordinating the
activities of the health care institutions

2.6.1.5 Advising on purchase of hospital equipment

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2.6.1.6 Participating in the inspection of hospitals, health centers, maternity
homes and training schools for standard of practice and submitting
reports.

2.6.1.7 Appraising the activities of subordinates

2.6.1.8 Participating in organizing the training programmes of staff.

2.6.1.9 Collating the estimates of the units

2.6.1.10 Participating in research activities

2.6.1.11 Participating in the general administration of the section

2.6.2 In Schools/College of Nursing, Midwifery, etc.

2.6.2.1 Teaching and supervising students in all areas of clinical experience

2.6.2.2 Participating in and supervising research activities

2.6.2.3 Performing guidance and counseling activities

2.6.2.4 Providing and coordinating clinical learning experiences

2.6.2.5 Giving advice on issues relating to admission of new intakes

2.6.2.6 Preparing financial estimates for the unit

2.6.2.7 Collating and writing reports, etc

2.7 Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Nurse Educator, Grade Level 14

2.7.1 In the Ministry

2.7.1.1 Taking charge of a section e.g. Research, Planning, Special Assignment

2.7.1.2 Coordinating the activities of a number of units

2.7.1.3 Advising on general nursing matters

2.7.1.4 Participating in the formulation of general nursing policies

2.7.2 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care facilities

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2.7.2.1 Taking charge of a section

2.7.2.2 Coordination the activities of a number of units

2.7.2.3 Advising on general nursing matters

2.7.2.4 Participating in the formulation of general nursing policies

2.7.2.5 Relating with appropriate authorities in nursing service on aspects of

Primary Health Care.

2.7.2.6 Participating in the preparation of standard patterns for health institutions

2.7.2.7 Motivating staff through counseling and promotion of continuing

education programmes.

2.7.2.8 Evaluating staff for promotion or transfer purpose

2.7.2.9 Assisting and organizing workshops, seminars, etc

2.7.2.10 Participating in reviewing departmental functions and activities to achieve

goals

2.7.2.11 Performing nursing care activities

2.7.2.12 Collecting and writing reports etc.

2.7.2.13 Participating in research activities

2.7.3 In Schools/College of Nursing, Midwifery, etc

2.7.3.1 Teaching and supervising students in all areas of clinical experience

2.7.3.2 Organizing, supervising and invigilating examinations

2.7.3.3 Participating in and supervising research activities

2.7.3.4 Performing guidance and counseling

2.7.3.5 Coordination selection/admission exercise

2.7.3.6 Appraising the activities of students

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2.7.3.7 Appraising the activities of subordinates

2.7.3.8 Assisting in organizing the academic/non-academic staff welfare

2.7.3.9 Collating the estimates from the units

2.8 Assistant Director/Chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 111/Chief

Nursing Educator Special Grade 111, Grade level 15

2.8.1 In the Ministry

2.8.1.1 Taking charge of a branch and assisting in formulating and executing

policies and programmes (States)

2.8.1.2 Initiating the review of existing policies and programmes

2.8.1.3 Liaising with the States on nursing services aspects of secondary and
tertiary health care.

2.8.1.4 Planning and directing the execution of the nursing services

2.8.1.5 Overseeing the preparation of standard procedure patterns for health

care.

2.8.1.6 Providing consultancy services to non-ministerial agencies on safe and

good quality care.

2.8.1.7 Coordinating activities of the State’s committee on traditional Birth

attendants; ensuring maintenance and promotion of good maternal and
child care

2.8.1.8 Keeping abreast of developments in nursing service management at

national and international levels and disseminating information on new
developments

2.8.1.9 Coordinating the training programmes of staff

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2.8.1.10 Supervising the preparation of annual estimates for the department

2.8.1.11 Assisting in the general administration of the department (States)

2.8.1.12 Participating in research activities

2.8.2 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care Facilities

2.8.2.2 Initiating the review of existing policies and programmes

2.8.2.3 Liaising with States on nursing services in secondary and tertiary health
care

2.8.2.4 Planning and directing the execution of nursing services

2.8.2.5 Overseeing the preparation of standard procedure patterns for health care

2.8.2.6 Providing consultancy to non-ministerial agencies on safe and good

quality care

2.8.2.7 Coordinating activities of the State’s Committee on Traditional Birth

Attendants and ensuring maintenance and promotion of good health in
maternal and child care.

2.8.2.8 Keeping abreast of developments in nursing services management at

National and International levels and disseminating information on new
developments.

2.8.2.9 Coordinating the training programmes of staff

2.8.2.10 Supervising the preparation of annual estimates for nursing services in the
hospital/health facilities.

2.8.2.11 Participating in research activities

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2.8.2.12 Performing nursing care activities

2.8.3 In Schools/Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, etc

2.8.3.1 Teaching and supervising students in all areas of clinical experience

2.8.3.2 Organizing, supervising and invigilating at examinations

2.8.3.3 Participating in and supervising research activities

2.8.3.4 Advising on general nursing matters

2.8.3.5 Liaising with Federal/State Institutions offering nursing programmes and

the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria on matters affecting nursing
education.

2.8.3.6 Directing review of school curriculum

2.8.3.7 Evaluating performance for promotion or transfer purposes

2.8.3.8 Assisting in organizing workshops/seminars

2.9 Deputy Director/Chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 11/Chief

Nursing Educator Special Grade 11, level 16.

2.9.1 In the Ministry

2.9.1.1 Taking charge of the division/department (States)

2.9.1.2 Advising the government on matters relating to nursing

2.9.1.3 Assisting in the general administration of the department

2.9.1.4 Keeping abreast of development in nursing service management at

national and international levels and disseminating information on new
developments

2.9.1.5 Initiating and designing new health programmes and policies

2.9.1.6 Coordinating the preparation of the annual estimates

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2.9.1.7 Providing consultancy services to non-ministerial agencies on safe and
good quality nursing care.

2.9.1.8 Liaising with the Ministries of Health, Nursing and Midwifery Council of
Nigeria and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives on
relevant matters.

2.9.1.9 Participating in the formulation of laws guiding nursing education and

practice in Nigeria.

2.9.1.10 Participating in designing educational programmes for student nurses

2.9.1.11 Participating in activities to promote nursing development in Nigeria

2.9.1.12 Attending relevant board and other meetings

2.9.2 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care Facilities

2.9.2.1 Participating in the general administration of the

department/hospital/health facilities.

2.9.2.2 Participating in the formulation of laws guiding nursing education and

practice in Nigeria

2.9.2.3 Participating in designing educational programmes for student nurses

2.9.2.4 Participating in activities to promote nursing development in Nigeria

2.9.2.5 Attending relevant management meetings

2.9.2.6 Performing nursing care activities

2.9.2.7 Participating in research activities

2.9.3 In Schools/Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, etc.

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2.9.3.1 Teaching and supervising students in all clinical experience

2.9.3.2 Organizing, supervising and invigilating examinations

2.9.3.3 Participating in and supervising research activities

2.9.3.4 Directing periodic review of school curriculum

2.9.3.5 Participating in formulating and executing policies and programmes on

general nursing matters.

2.9.3.6 Initiating the review of existing policies and programmes

2.9.3.7 Overseeing the preparation of standard procedure patterns for health

institutions

2.9.3.8 Keeping abreast of development in nursing service management at

national and international levels and disseminating information on new
developments

2.9.3.9 Supervising the preparation of annual estimates for institutions

2.9.3.10 Participating in the general administration of the school

3.0 Director/Chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 1/Chief Nursing

Educator Special Grade 1, Grade level 17

3.1.1 In the Ministry

3.1.2 Taking charge of the general administration of the department

3.1.3 Advising the government on the formulation, execution and review of

nursing matters

3.1.4 Attending board and other meetings

3.1.5 Liaising with ministries of health, nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives on relevant
matters

3.1.6 Participating in designing educational programmes for student nurses

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3.1.2 In the Hospitals/Primary Health Care Facilities

3.2.2.1 Taking charge of the general administration of the

department/hospital/health facility

3.1.2.2 Advising the government on the formulation, execution and review of

nursing matters

3.1.2.3 Attending relevant board and other meetings

3.1.2.4 Liaising with Ministries of health, nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives on relevant
matters.

3.1.2.5 Participating in designing educational programmes for student nurses

3.1.2.6 Evaluating employees’ performance and recommending merits, praises,

promotion or disciplinary action as appropriate

3.1.2.7 Ensuring strict compliance of staff with appropriate professional ethics

3.1.2.8 Coordinating continuing education programmes for staff

3.1.2.9 Performing nursing care activities

3.1.2.10 Participating in research activities

3.1.3 In Schools/Colleges of Nursing, Midwifery, etc.

3.1.3.1 Taking charge of the general administration of the school/college

3.1.3.2 Designing educational programmes for student nurses

3.1.3.3 Advising the government on the policy formulation, execution and review
of all nursing matters.

3.1.3.4 Liaising with Ministries Of Health, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives on relevant
matters.

3.1.3.5 Coordinating all research activities in the school

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3.1.3.6 Evaluating employees’ performance and recommending merits, praises,
promotion or disciplinary action as appropriate.

3.1.3.7 Ensuring strict compliance of staff and students with appropriate

professional code of ethics.

3.1.3.8 Attending relevant board and other meetings.

4.0 METHODS OF ENTRY AND ADVANCEMENT WITHIN THE CADRE

Note: All promotions and transfers are subject to vacancy and satisfactory
service record.

4.1 Nursing Officer 111, Grade level 07

4.1.1 By direct appointment of a candidate possessing single qualification of

Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Midwife (RM) certificate registration
by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

4.2 Nursing Officer 11, Grade Level 08

4.2.1 By advancement of a Nursing Officer 111 who has spent twelve (12)
calendar months on the grade.

4.2.2 By direct appointment of a candidate possessing the Registered Nurse

(RN) and post basic nursing qual9ification registerable by the Nursing and
Midwifery of Nigeria.

4.3 Nursing Officer 1/Nurse Educator 1/Nurse Intern, Grade level 09

4.3.1 By promotion of a suitable and confirmed Nursing Officer 11 who has

spent at least three years on the grade.

4.3.2 By direct appointment of a candidate possessing the qualification specified

in sub-paragraph 4.2.2 above and has at least five (5) years cognitive
experience

4.3.3 By direct appointment of a candidate possessing the qualification specified

in sub-paragraph 4.2.2 above plus a post basic certificate from Nurse
Tutor programme.
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4.3.4 By direct appointment of an Intern possessing a First Degree in Nursing
Science from an accredited institution approved by the Nursing and
Midwifery council of Nigeria.

4.4 Senior Nursing Officer/Senior Nurse Educator, Grade level 10

4.4.1 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Nursing Officer 1 who has spent
at least three (3) years on the grade and has obtained additional post
basic nursing qualification registerable by the Nursing and Midwifery
Council of Nigeria.

4.4.2 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Nurse Educator 1 who has spent
at least three years on the grade.

4.4.3 By direct appointment of a candidate possessing a Bachelor Degree in

Nursing Science, registerable by Nursing and Midwifery council of Nigeria,
and has successfully completed the NYSC or obtained a certificate of
exemption from the NYSC.

4.5 Principal Nursing Officer/Principal Nurse Educator, Grade level

12

4.5.1 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Nursing Officer who has spent
at least three years on the grade.

4.5.2 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable principal Nurse Educator who

has spent at least three years on the grade.

4.5.3 By direct appointment of a candidate possessing qualification specified in

sub-paragraph 4.4.3 above plus a Post Graduate Diploma or Master
Degree or Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) in nursing with 9 years, 6 years
and 3 years cognitive experience respectively.

4.6 Assistant chief Nursing Officer/Assistant Chief Nurse Educator,

Grade level 13

4.6.1 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Principal Nursing Officer who

has spent at least three years on the grade.

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4.6.2 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Principal Nurse EducaTOR who
has spent at least 3 years on the grade

4.7 Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Nurse Educator, Grade level 14

4.7.1 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Assistant Chief Nursing Officer

who has spent a minimum of 3 years on the grade.

4.7.2 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Assistant Chief Nurse Educator

who has spent 3 years on the grade.

4.8 Assistant Director/Chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 111/Chief

Nursing Educator Special Grade 11, level 15.

4.8.1 By promotion of confirmed and suitable Chief Nursing Officer who has
spent at least 3 years on the grade and has obtained qualification
specified in 4.4.3 or 4.2.2 above.

4.8.2 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Chief Nurse Educator who has
spent at least 3 years on the grade and has obtained qualification
specified in 4.4.3 or 4.2.2 above.

4.9 Deputy Director/chief Nursing Officer Special Grade 11/Chief

Nursing Educator Special Grade 11, level 16

4.9.1 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Officer Special Grade 111 who
has spent at least 4 years on the grade.

4.9.2 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Nursing Educator Special Grade

111 who has spent at least 4 years on the grade.

4.10 Director/Chief Nursing Officer Special grade 1/Chief Nursing

/educator Special 1, grade 17.

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4.10.1 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Nursing Officer Special Grade
11 who has spent at least 4 years on the grade.

4.10.2 By promotion of a confirmed and suitable Nursing Educator Special Grade

11 who has spent at least 4 years on the grade.

5.0 Advancement beyond the Cadre

5.1.1 Officers in the Nursing Officer or Nurse Educator cadre who acquire any of
the qualifications specified for direct appointment to any higher grade will
be eligible for transfer/promotion to the grade.

6.0 Direct Appointment to Grade Level 12 and above.

6.1.1 Direct appointment may also be made to posts in grade level 12 and
above but these would be proceeded by specific advertisement at the
instance of the user Ministry/Department/agency or parastatals.
Promotions from such direct appointment to higher grades are subject to
confirmation of appointment.

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