Australia Unit Manager Jobs

Purpose and Mission

A unit manager is roughly equivalent to a department head at most hospitals and clinics. Although there can be notable variability in the specific responsibilities of these mid-level administrators, unit managers are the primary point of contact between upper management and direct care staff.

In Australia, unit managers at hospitals and large clinics are often experienced nurses, often senior RNs or advanced practice nurses with master’s level equivalent training. Responsibilities of a unit manager typically include monitoring of patients and medications, as well as making sure there are sufficient resources and staffing for the smooth operation of the unit.

Reports To

In most cases, a unit manager reports to the clinical director, head of operations or similar position.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Healthcare facility unit managers have a broad range of supervisory responsibilities. They are expect to supervise all nursing and other professional staff in their unit, as well as assist with scheduling, evaluation and training of staff.

Qualifications

A unit manager is typically an experienced RN. He or she likely has at least a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of management experience in a clinical setting. Most unit managers will have earned one or more professional certifications.

Responsibilities of a Healthcare Facility Unit Manager

A hospital or clinic unit manager has three primary areas of responsibility:

Care Plans:

• Updating care plans to reflect current requirements of residents/patients
• Attending care plan conferences and offering overview of nursing care services being provided

Clinical Assessments:

• Completing risk assessment documentation on a quarterly, annual and / or any significant change in status basis
• Documenting clinical assessments on patients when their condition changes significantly

Unit Supervision:

• Reviewing and updating all relevant patient charts to assure proper follow through of changes in clinical condition
• Writing and maintaining acute care plans to address notable changes in patient condition
• Supervising the provision of care by nursing and other professional staff in the unit
• Reviewing clinical documentation to assure accurate and professional representation of the condition of patients
• Identifying areas for improvement the unit and formulate plans to address the issues
• Providing mentoring, education and disciplinary actions as required to staff to assure quality care and services are provided at all times.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Reviewing and sharing information about vital signs and the nutritional and hydration status of patients in meetings
• Communicating all areas of concern with the Director of Nursing, Chief Administrator, or facility Quality Assurance Committee.