head nurse; matron
Refers to the senior nurse in charge of a ward or department. The term is somewhat dated; in modern medical settings, 看護師長 (かんごしちょう) is often preferred as a gender-neutral title.
After many years of service, she was promoted to head nurse.
The head nurse manages the ward schedule.
After many years of experience, she became the head nurse.
She serves as the head nurse of this ward.
head nurse
Compound of 婦 (ふ, 'woman') and 長 (ちょう, 'head' or 'chief'), literally meaning 'female chief'. The term originated in a context where nursing was predominantly a female profession.