Nurse Unit Manager

2626 Walker Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421 • 423-490-1599

About the Role

The Nurse Unit Manager is the professional nurse who has 24-hour responsibility for the management of operations of a designated clinical area. This role coordinates team efforts to promote restorative/rehabilitative practice and resident self-care, supervises assigned nursing personnel, and acts as a resource for clinical and policy-related questions affecting residents, families, and staff. The position requires proficiency in Direct Care (Technical and Process Skills) and Indirect Care and Managerial Roles (Interpersonal, Administrative, and Professional Development Skills). The Nurse Unit Manager exemplifies leadership and represents the center positively in both the medical and broader community.

Responsibilities

• Maintain clinical competency through integrated nursing knowledge, leadership, and communication skills.
• Utilize the nursing process in assessment, planning, and implementing care.
• Exhibit organizational ability related to workflow and prioritization to meet patient care needs.
• Practice continuous quality improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain a system to ensure knowledge of patient status, including daily rounds.
• Coordinate and implement Patient Care Plan conferences.
• Develop and implement a rehabilitative nursing program to assist patients in reaching their maximum level of functioning.
• Monitor the administration of treatments and medications as ordered.
• Participate in conferences with patients and families.
• Ensure accurate and adequate documentation in medical records.
• Coordinate or ensure accurate and timely completion of Patient Assessment (MDS) forms.
• Review and act on Patient Assessment (MDS) reports.
• Plan and encourage participation in in-service and continuing education for all levels of nursing personnel.
• Serve as an active member of the center’s Quality Improvement Committee.
• Coordinate weekly Level of Care meetings and report findings to attending physicians.
• Serve as a member of the management team and develop effective working relationships with the administrator and medical director.
• Participate in the development of center goals and implement procedures to meet them.
• Develop and implement policies for positive partner relations and consistent supervision.
• Administer policies and formulate procedures for the nursing department.
• Formulate and administer a departmental budget based on nursing goals and projected revenues.
• Establish a competitive wage, salary, and benefit plan for nursing service staff.
• Operate the nursing department in a cost-effective manner.
• Manage recruitment, selection, training, evaluation, and retention of nursing staff.
• Develop and implement a master staffing plan based on patient needs, nursing service goals, and state law.
• Initiate and approve position descriptions for nursing personnel.
• Promote consistent assignment scheduling to meet patient care needs.
• Formulate, implement, and evaluate a department plan for orientation and staff development.
• Promote accountability for maintaining an effective performance appraisal system.
• Resolve conflicts through delegation and accountability for positive supervision.
• Ensure compliance with personnel policies.
• Create a work climate that promotes a positive quality of work and minimizes legal risk.
• Establish linkages with community resources.
• Assess and meet supply needs for the Nursing Department, ensuring units are adequately stocked.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed to practice nursing in this state.
• Demonstrated clinical expertise and knowledge of gerontology and rehabilitative services.
• Ability to organize, be accountable for work outcomes, lead and supervise others, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to perform physical and mental requirements of the job.
• CPR certified.
• Previous experience as a Head Nurse is preferred.

Special Demands

• Available on-call 24 hours, 7 days a week (or delegates to a qualified LPN/RN).
• Ability to communicate effectively with the medical/healthcare community, patients, and families.
• Ability to interpret and implement state and federal regulations.
• Ability to organize and implement systems to manage and enhance patient services.
• Ability to manage through delegation, goal setting, and building respect among nursing staff using positive leadership principles.
• Ability to plan and direct nursing services in an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Must be able to make administrative decisions as required during the administrator’s absence.
• Working knowledge of the center’s fire, safety, and disaster procedures.
• Implements federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to nursing service.

Physical Demands

• Able to be on feet standing or walking 8-12 hours per day.
• Able to lift 60-70 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Able to bend, stoop, squat, and twist numerous times daily.
• Able to see and hear adequately to respond to auditory and visual requests from patients.
• Able to speak in a clear, concise voice to communicate with patients who may be hearing impaired.
• Able to carry out fine motor skills and manual dexterity.
• Able to manage own stress effectively.

Benefits

Generous benefits package and competitive pay.