Unit Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Provide direct patient care and coordinates nursing activities to facilitate safe, quality patient care at the unit/department level. Acts as a role model and change agent by initiating and accepting changes for improved patient care and cost reductions. Maintains active communication and collaborates with physicians, staff and other managers to meet specialty, departmental and organizational goals. Under the direction of the Director, may assist with other management responsibilities including budget management, planning, increased throughput and patient care management.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to abide by and promote the mission and core values of the Spirit of Mercy.

CORPORATE POLICY STATEMENT:

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to comply with Mercy's mission, values, standards of conduct, policies, procedures and related practices.

HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE: Security Access: High "Incumbent has access to restricted or confidential patient information and must comply with the terms of the Mercy Medical Center Security Policies as it applies to their job role."

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

With other managers, participates in the development, implementation and periodical reviews of all policies and procedures that guide and support the assigned services. These include, but are not limited to The Joint Commission requirements, federal and state regulations, regulatory standards, etc.

Provides support to staff to ensure patients of a positive care experience. Assists with the resolution of patient/family complaints. Escalates issues appropriately to the director or administrative representative.

Participates in developing and maintaining departmental staffing plan for all areas supervised, detailing appropriate employee classifications and qualifications consistent with the department's operational plan, projected volumes, patient/acuity and other relevant indicators. Collaborates on a daily basis with other managers to ensure adequate staffing for all areas.

Supervises assigned staff. Provides and/or coordinates necessary education, orientation and support to the team.

Provides input in the development of annual operating and capital budgets, monitors and analyzes performance and productivity and implements necessary corrective plans. Utilizes

budget information in management decision-making.

Provides front-line leadership as a resource, mentor, and role model in delivering patient care using a team approach

Coordinates equipment and supply needs to ensure availability as necessary.

Attends department meetings, management meetings and others as assigned. Conducts regular staff meetings/huddles.

Monitors safety compliance and contributes to fostering a culture of safety at the unit level.

Forms effective work team through communication, team-building skills, coaching and counseling techniques, mentoring, delegation, decisiveness and integrity.

Supports and participates in departmental performance improvement and quality activities.

May assist with additional management duties as assigned by the unit/department director, including, but not limited to: Interviewing and hiring of personnel, scheduling of staff, utilization of special pay practices, timekeeping, and maintaining personnel records.

Provide staff performance feedback including annual reviews and discipline as needed.

Maintains high level clinical competence to assess patient needs, plan patient care, implement appropriate interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of patient care delivered to defined patient population.

Provides orientation/education for staff, students and other hospitals and community organizations as needed. Understands employee competency documentation requirements.

Performs other responsibilities as requested.

MIMIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Possession of a current or compact state license as a registered nurse issued/defined by the State of Iowa.

Bachelor degree in Nursing, or actively in pursuit of Bachelor's degree in Nursing (accepted into a Program and/or currently enrolled). Expected to take at least six credits per year at Unit Director's discretion for exception.

Minimum of two (2) years of RN perioperative experience required.

Management experience preferred.

Certified Nurse, Operating Room (CNOR) or alternative certification preferred.

Basic Life Support certified within six (6) weeks of hire. The acceptable credentialing body is the American Heart Association.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or obtained within six (6) months of hire per department requirements.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified or obtained within six (6) months of hire per department requirements.

Proof of completion of Mandatory reporter abuse training specific to population served with three (3) months of hire.

Ability to read, write and speak English language.

Demonstrated leadership skills, knowledge of surgeon needs, procedures and equipment required.

Strong interpersonal skills with staff, management and physicians required.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS: (Constant = 67-100% of workday, Frequent = 34-66% of workday, Occasional = 33% or less of workday)

Constant

Talking and Hearing: While exchanging information through oral communication, both by phone and in person.

Standing: While functioning the scrub role.

Walking: Usually for short distances at normal rate of speed.

Grasping and Fingering: While performing clinical responsibilities.

Frequent

Stooping, reaching, and lifting: While assembling supplies, etc.

Occasional

Lifting: While moving supplies or while assisting in patient care.

PHYSICAL DEMAND REQUIREMENTS:

If a patient is unable to function independently, a mechanical/assistive device and/or additional personnel must be utilized. If an object requires lifting > 50 lbs., additional equipment/personnel must also be utilized.

Heavy work: Exerting up to 65 lbs. push/pull (force to move frequently, and lifting up to 50 lbs. occasionally, and lifting up to 40 lbs. frequently, and lifting up to 20 lbs. constantly, to move patient and/or objects.

VISUAL ACUITY REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and prepare written and electronic documentation.

Good hand-eye coordination.

Peripheral vision.

Subject to extremes in lighting.

Ability to utilize computer terminal.

INTELLECTUAL/EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to maintain a high standard of courtesy and cooperation in dealing with co-workers, patients and visitors, and perform job functions satisfactorily despite the stress of a hospital work environment.

Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another without loss of efficiency or composure.

Ability to function independently when appropriate.

Adaptability to situations involving precise attainment of set limits and standards.

Adaptability to situations involving the interpretation of feelings, ideas, or facts in terms of personal viewpoint.

Ability to influence people in their opinion, attitudes or judgments about ideas or things.

Ability to make generalizations, evaluations or decisions based on measurable or verifiable criteria.

Ability to make generalizations, evaluations or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.

Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Adaptability to perform under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual, or dangerous situations, or situations in which working speed and sustained attention are vital aspects of the job.

Ability to accept responsibility for the direction, control or planning of an activity.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS:

Standard medical and nursing equipment, special equipment or office equipment found in the assigned area.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The worker is subject to inside environmental conditions.

Employees in this job classification have been identified as having the likelihood of occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, therefore, are included in the OSHA Exposure Control Plan with all its specifications for preventing contact with the above materials.

The worker is subject to noise from various types of surgical equipment.

The worker is subject to vibration (example: from drills, saws, etc)

The worker is subject to hazards from electrical equipment, mechanical parts, lasers, etc.

The worker is subject to gases and fumes (example: bone cement).

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to Director.

This position is responsible for supervising staff.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.