Unit Director - Operating Room

UPMC Altoona is seeking a Registered Nurse with leadership experience for an exciting opportunity as a Unit Director for our Operating Room! Our Operating Room consists of 12 surgical suites, 1 procedure room, and 1 cysto room. We see an average of 800 cases a month and we do specialties including heart, neuro, and robotics!

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!

Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with medical staff to monitor patient outcomes, set clinical priorities, recommend improvements, and implement safety initiatives.
• Monitors dashboard indicators to meet organizational goals and develops action plans to enhance quality.
• Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to improve clinical care and shares learning across units or the system.
• Analyzes nurse and patient satisfaction data, creating action plans to address concerns.
• Encourages staff involvement in evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives.
• Builds productive relationships through mentoring, positive communication, and effective conflict resolution.
• Establishes trust by recognizing contributions, fostering transparency, and setting clear expectations.
• Collaborates on scheduling for safety, work-life balance, and appropriate hours.
• Communicates clearly through various media to engage and inform audiences.
• Coaches staff on cultural diversity and addresses workplace challenges.
• Creates an inclusive environment that values staff, physicians, patients, and communities.
• Develops a shared vision, utilizing critical thinking, financial data, and quality metrics to shape department strategy.Involves staff and stakeholders in vision-setting within a shared governance model.
• Manages complex change by incorporating stakeholder input and supporting staff through transitions.
• Uses interpersonal techniques to gain acceptance of plans and adapts to situational needs. Influences the external environment through participation in professional organizations.
• Establishes a culture of patient-centered care using Relationship-Based Care and nursing standards.
• Ensures adherence to clinical performance standards and applies national best practices for excellence.
• Promotes interdisciplinary partnerships through committee involvement.
• Sets priorities for clinical, financial, and human resource improvements aligned with organizational goals.
• Manages department budget responsibly, ensuring efficient resource use.
• Sets high performance standards, fostering innovation and professional growth.
• Develops staff expertise through tailored developmental paths, clinical orientation, and specialty certification.
• Supports nursing student recruitment and shared governance via professional practice councils.
• Leads and mentors Clinician(s), guiding communication, leadership, and oversight responsibilities.
• Ensures all direct care providers possess required competencies through assessment and training.