Nursing and allied health professionals

How to become a nursing coordinator or supervisor

Official title: Nursing coordinators and supervisors

Also called: Nursing supervisor, Nursing coordinator, Nursing unit supervisor, Nursing ward supervisor, Nursing care coordinator, Nursing unit coordinator, Ward supervisor - nursing, Burn unit nursing supervisor, Geriatric nursing supervisor, Nursing services coordinator, Burn unit nursing coordinator, Obstetrical nursing supervisor

Nursing coordinators and supervisors coordinate and supervise the activities of registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses and other nursing personnel in the provision of patient care. They are employed in health care institutions such as hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, and in nursing agencies.

Main tasks

Supervise registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other nursing personnel
Evaluate patients' needs and ensure that required nursing care is delivered
Set up and coordinate 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

How to become one

Completion of a university, college or other approved registered nursing, or registered psychiatric nursing, program is required. Courses in management studies or a degree, diploma or certificate in management or administration may be required. Registration with a regulatory body is required for registered nurses in all provinces and territories and for registered psychiatric nurses in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon. Clinical experience as a registered nurse, or as a registered psychiatric nurse, is required.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

University: Nursing & Midwifery degrees, Offered by 12 universities in Canada
Licence or registration: Registration with a regulatory body is required for registered nurses in all provinces and territories and for registered psychiatric nurses in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon.

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $90,539 a year The middle half earn $72,794 to $103,194.
About 28,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 36,800 are projected by 2033. (+31.4%)
Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.

Questions people ask

How do I become a nursing coordinator or supervisor?

How much does a nursing coordinator or supervisor earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $90,539 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $72,794 to $103,194.

Is a nursing coordinator or supervisor a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 31% by 2033, from about 28,000 to about 36,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a nursing coordinator or supervisor?

Usually. 60% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03