Inpatient Operations Lead — Drive Quality & Care Excellence

Gundersen Health System; Palmer, West Union (AK, IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Gundersen Health System in West Union, Iowa, seeks a Director of Inpatient Operations to lead multiple inpatient departments, align operations with system strategy, and drive quality, safety, and patient experience.

The role emphasizes collaboration with physicians and leaders, fiscal stewardship, and staff development; Master’s preferred, 5–7 years leadership, and nursing background.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred, or ability to complete within 5 years of starting.
• 5–7 years of experience leading system‑level work.
• Strong leadership experience in health care.
• Experience overseeing multiple departments or a diverse operational portfolio.
• Strong clinical background, preferably in nursing.
• Experience as a PDN, charge nurse, quality leader, or similar clinical leadership role is a plus.
• Experience in rural health clinic settings is helpful.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to hold teams accountable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of operational plans aligned with system strategy.
• Oversee fiscal performance, resource management, and cost-effective operations.
• Build, coach, and hold accountable a team of managers and staff across multiple departments.
• Drive quality, safety, service, and patient experience improvements.
• Partner with physicians, leaders, and staff to remove barriers and improve care delivery.
• Support a culture of collaboration, respect, communication, and professional growth.
• Participate in senior leadership call rotation with four leaders sharing coverage.
• Contribute to system-level committees and initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Healthcare

Operations mgmt

Nursing background

Clinical leadership

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Gundersen Health System in West Union, Iowa, seeks a Director of Inpatient Operations to lead multiple inpatient departments, align operations with system strategy, and drive quality, safety, and patient experience.

The role emphasizes collaboration with physicians and leaders, fiscal stewardship, and staff development; Master’s preferred, 5–7 years leadership, and nursing background.