Unit Leader
Job Code : 300222
Department / Location : Department Specific
FLSA Status : Non‑exempt
Reports to : Nurse Manager / Assistant Nurse Manager
Position Summary
The Unit Leader plays a key role in supporting bedside nurses to provide safe patient care and to achieve organizational, departmental, and individual goals. Working in collaboration with the Nurse Manager, the Unit Leader incorporates leadership and communication skills to be an effective change agent on the unit. Acting as a liaison between management, staff, physicians, patients and families, ancillary staff, and other departments, the Unit Leader leads by example and holds staff accountable to provide safe patient care and a high level of patient satisfaction.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors
- Ensures quality, safe patient care and clinical services are rendered in accordance with established hospital, regulatory agency, and nursing evidence‑based standards
- Acts as a positive role model for the nursing profession, demonstrating coaching, mentoring, problem‑solving, and serving as a resource person for staff and peers on all shifts
- Identifies, develops, implements, and monitors unit‑based quality and Performance Improvement initiatives to provide quantifiable evidence of progression toward unit‑based goals
- Provides flexibility with scheduling in accordance with the Nurse Manager and Assistant Nurse Manager to lead clinical units or meet unit‑based needs
- Adheres to the unit‑based budget and provides nursing staff and resources in accordance with budgetary guidelines
- Collaborates with physicians and other members of the health care team to assure delivery of optimum, age‑appropriate patient care
- Identifies and implements nursing evidence‑based and / or best practices to develop Nursing Standards and protocols for the delivery of optimum patient care
- Participates clinically in patient care and accepts patient care assignments as required for the delivery of safe, optimum patient care
- Ensures unit‑based professional and non‑professional staff participate in continuing education activities, nursing shared governance, maintenance of organization‑required annual competencies, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures
- Participates in task forces, committees, or projects as assigned
- Maintains a continuous safe patient care and work environment in accordance with requirements of accrediting and regulatory agencies
- Participates in interdisciplinary collaboration based on theoretical concepts of team building and participation, providing quantifiable evidence and exemplars of the collaboration’s success
- Demonstrates mastery of customer service skills, including patient rounding and monitoring outcomes through successful and maintained patient satisfaction scores that surpass nationally benchmarked scores
- Identifies and creates action plans with quantifiable measurement and outcomes to correct deficiencies in patient and nursing satisfaction
- Acts as a positive change agent on the unit and supports all organization‑based initiatives and projects
- Performs all other related duties as assigned
Education & Experience Requirements
Current NY State LicenseBSN (or MSN) requiredKnowledge of current nursing, medical and health trends and practices in rendering of patient careOne year of RN experience in the area of specialty or practice preferredBCLS certification requiredACLS certification required for all RNs, except for NICU & Operating Room RNs. All newly hired, inexperienced nurses must receive this certification within 12 months. All newly hired, experienced nurses must receive this certification within 6 monthsPALS certification required for all RNs working in the PACU, 5I Pediatrics, Emergency Department, Armonk Urgent Care, Ambulatory Surgery and 226 Ambulatory Surgery Center. All newly hired, inexperienced nurses must receive this certification within 12 months. All newly hired, experienced nurses must receive this certification within 6 monthsNRP certification required for all RNs working in the Mother‑Baby unit, Labor & Delivery and NICU. All newly hired nurses to the NICU, L&D and the Mother‑Baby unit must receive this certification within 6 monthsDemonstrates a basic knowledge of management skillsPrevious management / leadership experience preferredTwo years previous clinical experience in area of unit concentration preferredAbility to function as staff RNDemonstrates excellence in clinical skillsCore Competencies
Teamwork & AdaptabilityActs as a Professional Role ModelAssessment SkillsExcellent Communication Skills (both verbal and written)Attention to DetailPlanning & OrganizingSound Problem‑Solving, Judgment and Decision‑Making SkillsStress TolerancePhysical / Mental Demands & Work Environment
May be exposed to chemicals necessary to perform required tasks. Any hazardous chemicals the employee may be exposed to are listed in the hospital’s SDS (Safety Data Sheet) database and accessed through the hospital’s Intranet site (Employee Tools / SDS Access). A copy of the SDS database can also be found at the hospital switchboard, saved on a disc.Position requires ability to move about freely at least 85 % of the time.Must be able to remain stationary for extended periods.Frequently moves / transports objects up to 50 pounds and must be able to move patients of all weights with a minimum of one assistance device or assistive equipment.Must be able to work in an environment with continuous interruptions.Must be able to assess and respond to rapidly changing situational needs of patients, department and hospital.Must be able to adapt in a high‑stress and fast‑paced environment with multiple interruptions.Must be able to detect sounds and respond to emergency sounds / signals at all times.Must be able to constantly operate computer, equipment and other devices.Position requires ability to concentrate on fine detail with interruptions and attend to tasks for more than 60 minutes at a time.Individual must be able to understand and relate to theories behind several related concepts and remember multiple tasks given during the course of a day.Primary Population Served
Neonatal (birth – 28 days)Infant (29 days – less than 1 year)Pediatric (1 – 12 years)Adolescent (13 – 17 years)Adult (18 – 64 years)Geriatric (>65 years)
Bariatric patients with weight‑related comorbiditiesNon‑patient care populationThe responsibilities and tasks outlined in this job description are not exhaustive and may change as determined by the needs of White Plains Hospital.
Salary Range : $117,695–$152,756 (based on full‑time hours)
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