Unit Manager - LPN

General Purpose The Unit Manager, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the daily operations of an assigned nursing unit, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, resident-centered care in compliance with regulatory standards and facility policies. This position is responsible for supervising nursing staff, coordinating resident care activities, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize clinical outcomes. The Unit Manager maintains a safe, efficient, and supportive environment for residents and staff while promoting quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence within the unit.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise and coordinate nursing staff activities to ensure adherence to established policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and support to licensed nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and other assigned personnel.
• Assist with staffing coordination, scheduling, recruitment, onboarding, and staff development initiatives.
• Monitor staff performance and provide feedback, counseling, and corrective action in accordance with facility policies.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment that supports quality resident care.

Resident Care Management

• Coordinate and oversee resident care to ensure services are delivered according to physician orders, care plans, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals and interdisciplinary team members.
• Monitor resident conditions and ensure appropriate interventions are implemented in response to changes in condition.
• Facilitate admissions, transfers, discharges, and ongoing resident assessments as required.
• Assist with working a medication cart, administering medications, and performing other floor nurse responsibilities as needed.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor unit performance indicators, including resident outcomes, quality measures, documentation compliance, and regulatory standards.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as facility policies and procedures.
• Conduct audits, observations, and quality reviews to identify improvement opportunities and ensure survey readiness.
• Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives and corrective action planning.
• Support infection prevention and control practices, resident safety programs, and risk management activities.

Communication & Collaboration

• Facilitate communication between residents, families, nursing staff, physicians, therapists, and other healthcare providers.
• Address resident, family, and staff concerns promptly and professionally.
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, care conferences, and leadership meetings as assigned.
• Serve as a liaison between administration, nursing leadership, residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members.

Operational & Resource Management

• Assist with inventory management and procurement of medical supplies, equipment, and unit resources.
• Monitor utilization of staffing resources, supplies, and equipment to support efficient operations.
• Support budget management efforts through responsible resource utilization and cost-conscious decision-making.
• Assist with implementation of departmental goals, strategic initiatives, and operational improvements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification preferred.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Current and valid Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the state of employment required.
• Minimum of three years of clinical nursing experience, including at least one year in a leadership, charge nurse, or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulations, resident care standards, infection prevention practices, and nursing best practices.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and basic computer applications.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Certification in Nursing Leadership, Long-Term Care, or Healthcare Management preferred.
• Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, post-acute care, or long-term care settings.
• Demonstrated success with quality improvement initiatives, staff development, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Knowledge of budget management, staffing optimization, and resource allocation practices.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or assist with moving residents and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess resident conditions, review medical documentation, and communicate effectively.
• Manual dexterity required to perform clinical duties, documentation tasks, and operate medical equipment.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Must be available to serve on-call as needed and provide clinical leadership, guidance, and support during after-hours, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Direct or indirect exposure to residents with medical conditions, infectious diseases, or communicable illnesses.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection prevention and control protocols is required.
• Work is performed in a healthcare, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, post-acute, or long-term care environment.
• Requires professionalism, confidentiality, leadership, and collaboration with residents, families, physicians, staff, vendors, and interdisciplinary team members.

Disclaimer Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.