The Unit Leader plays a key role in supporting the bedside nurse to provide safe patient care and to achieve organizational, departmental, and individual goals.
In collaboration with the Nurse Manager the Unit Leader incorporates leadership and communication skills to be an effective change agent on the unit.
Supporting the mission of WPH and the nursing division, the Unit Leader acts as a role model demonstrating sound time management, conflict resolution, and delegation skills.
The Unit Leader acts 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 and Responsibilities Include the Following:

In collaboration with the Nurse Manager & Asst. Nurse Manager, the Unit Leader:

Adhere to WPH Performance Standards, Policies, and Behaviors.
Ensure quality and safe patient care following hospital, regulatory, and evidence-based nursing standards.
Serve as a positive role model, providing coaching, mentoring, and problem-solving for staff.
Develop and monitor unit-based quality and Performance Improvement initiatives.
Provide flexible scheduling and clinical leadership based on unit needs.
Manage unit budget and allocate nursing staff and resources accordingly.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to deliver age-appropriate patient care.
Implement evidence-based nursing practices and develop Nursing Standards and protocols.
Participate in patient care assignments as needed.
Ensure staff's participation in education, shared governance, and annual competencies.
Participate in task forces, committees, or projects as assigned.
Maintain a safe patient care environment in compliance with accrediting and regulatory standards.
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and maintain high patient satisfaction scores.
Create action plans to improve patient and nursing satisfaction.
Support organization-based initiatives and projects.
Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements:

Current NY State License
All RNs hired in 2016 or later must have a minimum of a Baccalaureate in Nursing (BSN) or show evidence of enrollment and completion of a BSN by 2020
Knowledge of current nursing, medical and health trends and practices in rendering patient care.
One year of acute care nursing experience is preferred for areas other than medical surgical or step-down
BCLS certification is required.
ACLS certification is required for all RNs working in ICU, CCU, CCL, 4F, and 3F, PACU, Emergency Department, Ambulatory Surgery and Endoscopy.
All newly hired, inexperienced nurses must receive this certification within 18 months. All newly hired, experienced nurses must receive this certification within 9 months.
PALS certification is required for all RNs working in the PACU, 5I Pediatrics, Emergency Department and Ambulatory Surgery.
All newly hired, inexperienced nurses must receive this certification within 18 months.
All newly hired, experienced nurses must receive this certification within 9 months.
NRP certification is 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 months.
Demonstrates a basic knowledge of management skills
Previous management/leadership experience preferred
2 years of previous clinical experience in the area of unit concentration preferred
Ability to function as staff RN
Demonstrates excellence in clinical skills

Core Competencies: