Unit Director (RN) - Outpatient Medical Oncology
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is internationally recognized for its leadership in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and is the region's only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute. As the preeminent institution in western Pennsylvania for cancer care, research, and education, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is exceptionally well-positioned to contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of cancer.
About the role
We are hiring a Regular Full-Time Unit Director (RN) to lead the 2nd Floor Outpatient Medical Oncology team at the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside/Pittsburgh, PA. This position offers a $6,000 sign-on bonus and follows a Monday through Friday daylight schedule. The Unit Director will oversee a large medical oncology group, including both clinic and treatment room care of patients.
The 2nd floor of the Hillman Cancer Center is disease-focused and offers the latest advancements in solid tumor therapy, new patient consults, groundbreaking clinical trials, and surgical consults. The Unit Director will partner with research teams, APP leaders, physician leadership, practice managers, and senior leadership to improve patient experience, quality improvement initiatives, and staff engagement.
Responsibilities
- Collaborates with medical staff to monitor patient outcomes, set clinical quality priorities, recommend and implement professional improvements, and initiate unit-based patient safety initiatives.
- Monitors dashboard indicators and quality metrics to meet organizational goals, developing action plans to address specific concerns and improve quality.
- Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care, sharing learning across units or the system.
- Analyzes nurse and patient satisfaction outcome data and develops action plans to address concerns.
- Supports and encourages staff involvement in evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives.
- Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by building teams, mentoring, and modeling positive communication.
- Resolves and manages conflict effectively and in a timely manner, fostering trust and transparency.
- Plans department work schedules collaboratively to support safety, appropriate worked hours, and a healthy lifestyle.
- Communicates clearly through various media to engage audiences and ensure understanding.
- Coaches staff on cultural diversity and addresses workplace horizontal violence and impairment.
- Creates an environment that recognizes and values differences among staff, physicians, patients, and communities.
- Develops a shared vision and operational plan using critical thinking, financial, and quality data.
- Involves staff and key stakeholders in developing a vision for the unit/department within a shared governance model.
- Orchestrates complex change, acknowledging psychological transitions and involving stakeholders in planning.
- Uses appropriate interpersonal styles to gain acceptance of ideas or plans, adapting behavior to tasks and individuals.
- Demonstrates ability to influence the external environment through professional and advocacy organizations.
- Establishes a culture of caring by promoting patient-centered decisions within the framework of Relationship Based Care.
- Ensures nurses practice in accordance with established Clinical Standards of Performance.
- Applies national best practices and evidence-based practice to build a culture of excellence in patient care.
- Promotes interdisciplinary partnership and consultation through committee participation and related activities.
- Sets clinical, financial, and human resources priorities for improvement in alignment with organizational goals.
- Demonstrates fiscal responsibility in budget management, including flexible staffing patterns to meet patient care needs.
- Sets high standards of performance and supports professional growth through innovation and inquiry.
- Creates developmental paths for staff, including clinical orientation, continuing education, and specialty certification.
- Develops a best-practice climate for students and new nurses, actively recruiting nursing students through exceptional clinical experiences.
- Supports shared governance through unit-based professional practice councils and staff feedback.
- Leads and develops Clinicians, building leadership and communication skills, and providing mentorship in daily responsibilities.
- Supports Clinicians in oversight of direct reports, including difficult conversations, performance reviews, and recruitment.
- Assists with planning, implementing, and verifying competencies for direct care providers and staff.
Requirements
- Minimum of four (4) years of progressive leadership experience required; relevant clinical experience preferred.
- BS/BSN required at time of hire; master's degree/MSN required. If BS degree is not in nursing, a Master's or higher degree in Nursing is required. If Master’s degree is not in nursing, a BSN is required.
- If the Master’s degree/MSN is not present at time of hire, must be enrolled in a Master’s or MSN program within one year of hire/transfer date and completed within three (3) years of enrollment.
- Oncology experience preferred.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately with patients of all ages, including principles of growth and development over the life span.
- Analytical ability to evaluate staff, address clinical issues, and devise solutions to complex problems.
- Leadership ability to develop staff, establish and maintain standards of performance, and comply with administrative requirements.
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills to create relationships supporting a healing environment with patients, families, staff, physicians, and senior management.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances
- Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in the practicing state.
- Registered Nurse (RN) Act 34.
- Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is located will have 60 days to apply for licensure within that state.
Pay
$6,000 sign-on bonus.
Schedule
Regular Monday through Friday daylight schedule.