Unit Director

About the role

Lead with purpose and make a difference. UPMC Altoona is hiring a Unit Director to oversee our PACU, Surgical Pre-Testing, and Endoscopy Departments! Prior leadership experience & an active Registered Nursing license are required for this role. As a Unit Director, you'll provide leadership and oversight for a patient care area, ensuring exceptional experiences for both patients and employees. In this role, you'll guide clinical operations, quality improvement efforts, staffing, and financial performance while fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. Working closely with physicians and interdisciplinary teams, you'll help drive patient outcomes, support shared governance initiatives, and promote a culture of safety, professional growth, and continuous improvement. You'll also play a key role in recruiting, developing, and mentoring team members, ensuring employees have the resources and support they need to succeed while delivering outstanding patient care.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives by monitoring patient outcomes, quality metrics, and departmental performance indicators.
• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to establish clinical priorities and implement evidence-based practices that improve patient care.
• Analyze patient and employee satisfaction data, develop action plans, and share successful practices across departments and the organization.
• Foster a patient-centered culture that supports clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and Relationship-Based Care principles.
• Ensure nursing practice aligns with organizational, professional, and regulatory standards.
• Build and sustain a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment through effective communication, mentoring, and relationship building.
• Coach and develop staff and leaders, including direct-report clinicians, to strengthen leadership skills, accountability, and professional growth.
• Address conflict, workplace concerns, cultural diversity, impairment, and employee well-being in a timely and constructive manner.
• Create individualized development plans and promote continuing education, specialty certification, and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Foster a supportive learning environment for students, new nurses, and team members while helping attract and retain top talent.
• Partner with staff and key stakeholders to develop and advance the department's vision, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Support shared governance through professional practice councils and employee feedback to drive improvements in care delivery, nursing practice, and the work environment.
• Lead and support organizational change initiatives by engaging stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and helping teams navigate transition effectively.
• Represent the department through participation in professional organizations, committees, and advocacy efforts.
• Establish operational, financial, and workforce priorities aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources responsibly, ensuring efficient staffing and effective utilization of personnel and supplies.
• Develop schedules that support patient care needs, employee well-being, and safe staffing practices.
• Use financial, operational, and quality data to guide decision-making and achieve departmental objectives.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and competency validation for direct care providers and staff.
• Ensure employees maintain required knowledge, skills, and competencies while identifying and addressing development opportunities.
• Support performance management activities, including coaching, evaluations, succession planning, recruitment, and difficult conversations.
• Create a best-practice environment that encourages innovation, inquiry, professional advancement, and excellence in patient care.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of