Unit Director – Surgical Trauma/Oncology

UPMC Altoona is seeking a Registered Nurse with leadership experience for an exciting opportunity as a Unit Director for our T14 Surgical Trauma/Medical Oncology unit! 

In this challenging and rewarding position, the Unit Director maintains 24-hour accountability for leading and managing the assigned area in order to ensure an outstanding experience for patients and employees by continuously improving the quality of patient care, creating a healthy workplace for staff, and overseeing clinical, and administrative/business functions. 

Why choose UPMC Altoona?

• Work/Life Balance – primarily a Monday-Friday schedule, dayshifts
• Competitive wages
• An incomparable benefit package (found to be 20% higher in value than other healthcare employers in our market!)
• 100% Tuition Reimbursement for your BSN/MSN degree through approved Universities.
• Generous vacation accrual
• Plus, this position is eligible for a generous Sign-On Bonus! External applicants will receive $15,000 in exchange for a 2-year work commitment!

About UPMC Altoona’s T14 Surgical Trauma/Oncology unit:

Tower 14 at UPMC Altoona consists of two areas. Tower 14 front is Surgical Trauma – it is a fast paced, 23-bed unit specializing in the care of post-surgical adults and low acuity trauma patients. Our unit specializes in caring for patients who have undergone a wide range of abdominal surgeries, as well as general medical cases such as sepsis, renal insufficiency, respiratory conditions, pancreatitis, and a variety acute and chronic illnesses. Tower 14 is also able to provide medical telemetry monitoring for those patients who require this type of care.

Tower 14 back is Oncology & Palliative Care – it is an 18-bed medical telemetry unit that provides specialized care to both oncology and palliative care patients. There are 5 palliative care suites to accommodate our patients with palliative care needs. Nurses are trained and certified to administer chemotherapy and provide care to patients who may require telemetry monitoring, require neutropenic precautions, and numerous other conditions. Each plan of care for our patients is tailored to meet each of their unique care needs.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with medical staff to monitor patient outcomes; set clinical quality priorities, recommend and implement professional improvements and initiatives and implement unit based patient safety initiatives. Monitors dashboard indicators and quality in unit/department to meet organizational goals and develops action plans to address specific concerns and improve quality. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care. Shares learning from improvements with other units and/or spreads across the business unit or system. Analyzes nurse and patient satisfaction outcome data and develops action plan to address as needed. Supports and encourages involvement of staff nurses in the development and implementation of evidence based practice and quality improvement initiatives.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by building teams and relationships through mentoring and modeling uplifting and positive communication. Resolves and manages conflict effectively and in a timely manner. Extends trust by acknowledging the contributions of others; listens first, creates transparency in communications, confronts reality, and clarifies expectations. Cares for patients and self by planning a department work schedule in collaboration with team members that supports safety, appropriate worked hours, and a healthy lifestyle. Conveys information and ideas clearly through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. Coaches staff on cultural diversity and addresses workplace horizontal violence and impairment. Creates an environment which recognizes and values differences in staff, physicians, patients, and communities.
• Demonstrates the ability to create a shared vision applies critical thinking skills and utilizes financial and quality data and conceptual knowledge in the development of the department vision and operational plan. Involves staff and key stakeholders in the development of a vision for the unit/ department within a shared governance model of practice. Orchestrates complex change and acknowledges the psychological transition on self and others. Involves stakeholders and experts in planning, designing, and redesigning change. Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one/s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individual involved. Supports staff during times of difficult transitions. Demonstrates ability to influence the external environment through participation in professional and advocacy organizations.
• Establishes a culture of caring by promoting decisions that are patient centered and within the framework of Relationship Based Care, using the nursing process that meets the clinical, psychological and spiritual needs of the patient, family and staff. Ensures that nurses practice in accordance with established Clinical Standards of Performance as defined by organization, system, professional and regulatory organizations. Applies national best practices and uses evidence based practice to build a culture of excellence in patient care. Promotes interdisciplinary partnership and consultation of hospital staff and health care team through participation in committees and related activities to ensure appropriate care and services for patients and families. Sets clinical, financial, and human resources priorities for improvement in concert with organizational goals. Demonstrates sound fiscal responsibility in the development and management of the department budget and holds staff accountable for the efficient use of resources including but not limited to managing flexible staffing patterns to meet patient care needs.
• Sets high standards of performance for self and others by imposing standards of excellence and development of inquiry skills that are innovative, optimistic, and supportive of professional growth. Creates developmental paths and plans for staff to increase the expertise and caliber of staff. Initiates innovation in staff development, clinical orientation, continuing education, and supports specialty certification. Develops a best practice climate for the growth and development of students as well as new nurses. Actively recruits nursing students through the establishment of exceptional clinical experiences. Supports shared governance through a unit-based professional practice council and utilization of staff feedback to make changes to improve care, nursing practice, and /or the work.
• Position will oversee the Trauma/Medical Oncology section of unit.
• The Unit Director is expected to lead and develop all Clinician(s) that report directly to them to build strong leadership and communication skills, as well as mentorship in daily leadership responsibilities. Supports Clinician(s) in their role of oversight of direct reports, including difficult conversations, performance reviews, and recruitment.
• Assist with planning, implementing, and verifying that all direct care providers and direct care staff have the required knowledge and skills/attitude-based competencies assessed to address gaps and verified.