enfermera jefa
/enfeɾmeɾa xefa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'head nurse' is translated into Spanish as enfermera jefa.
This phrase describes a nurse who is in charge of other nurses in a hospital or clinic setting. While enfermera means nurse, adding jefa specifies that the person is in a supervisory role.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use Jefe(a) de Enfermeras or Enfermero(a) Jefe. In Argentina, the terms Jefe(a) de Enfermeros or Enfermero(a) Mayor are used.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the head nurse is male, use the masculine form enfermero jefe. For a group of female head nurses, use the feminine plural form enfermeras jefas.
Did you know?
- The word enfermera comes from enfermo, meaning 'sick'. Unlike the English word 'nurse', which shares a root with 'nourish', the Spanish term focuses on the patient's condition.
- In many Spanish-speaking hospitals, the title enfermera mayor is used to denote the most senior or head nurse, regardless of her actual age.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, addressing a head nurse as Jefa can be a sign of deep respect or an acknowledgment of their authority, regardless of whether the speaker is their subordinate.
Examples in context
- Estimado señor García, me gustaría presentarle a la jefa de enfermería, la señora Pérez.Dear Mr. García, I would like to introduce you to the head nurse, Ms. Pérez.
- Ella es la enfermera jefa de la planta.She is the head nurse of the floor.
- Necesito hablar con la enfermera jefa ahora.I need to speak with the head nurse now.
- La enfermera jefa supervisa a todo el personal.The head nurse supervises all the staff.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing hospital roles at a coffee shop.
- Alejandro¿Tu hermana es enfermera jefa en el hospital?Is your sister a head nurse at the hospital?
- ElenaSí, ella es la enfermera jefa de pediatría.Yes, she is the head nurse of pediatrics.
- AlejandroEs un trabajo con mucha responsabilidad.It is a job with a lot of responsibility.
- ElenaEs cierto, pero le encanta su puesto.That's true, but she loves her position.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
