Nurse Manager- MedSurg

IHA; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA is seeking a skilled Nurse Unit Director to oversee nursing operations and coordinate patient care at the unit level. You will act as a role model, lead a multidisciplinary team, and ensure high-quality, cost-conscious care.

Day shift, full-time opportunities include budgeting, staff development, and performance improvement initiatives. The role requires an active RN license, a BSN, and perioperative leadership experience, with strong communication and

Qualifications

• Current or compact state RN license required.
• Bachelor degree in Nursing required; CNOR preferred.
• Minimum 2 years perioperative RN experience.
• Management or supervisory experience preferred.
• BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required or obtainable within timelines.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills; excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain departmental staffing plans aligned with budget and patient volume.
• Provide front-line leadership and mentorship to nursing staff.
• Collaborate with physicians and administration to improve patient care and costs.
• Oversee scheduling, performance feedback, and staff development.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

RN license

Perioperative experience

Leadership

Staff supervision

Budget management

Communication

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor degree in Nursing

Job description

Employment Type

Full time

Shift

Day Shift

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY: Provide direct patient care and coordinates nursing activities to facilitate safe, quality patient care at the unit/department level. Acts as a role model and change agent by initiating and accepting changes for improved patient care and cost reductions. Maintains active communication and collaborates with physicians, staff and other managers to meet specialty, departmental and organizational goals. Under the direction of the Director, may assist with other management responsibilities including budget management, planning, increased throughput and patient care management.

Corporate Philosophy Statement

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to abide by and promote the mission and core values of the Spirit of Mercy.

Corporate Policy Statement

It is the obligation of each employee of Mercy Medical Center to comply with Mercy’s mission, values, standards of conduct, policies, procedures, and related practices.

HIPAA SECURITY COMPLIANCE

Security Access: High “Incumbent has access to restricted or confidential patient information and must comply with the terms of the Mercy Medical Center Security Policies as it applies to their job role.”

Essential Functions

• With other managers, participates in the development, implementation and periodical reviews of all policies and procedures that guide and support the assigned services. These include, but are not limited to The Joint Commission requirements, federal and state regulations, regulatory standards, etc.
• Provides support to staff to ensure patients of a positive care experience. Assists with the resolution of patient/family complaints. Escalates issues appropriately to the director or administrative representative.
• Participates in developing and maintaining departmental staffing plan for all areas supervised, detailing appropriate employee classifications and qualifications consistent with the department’s operational plan, projected volumes, patient/acuity and other relevant indicators. Collaborates on a daily basis with other managers to ensure adequate staffing for all areas.
• Supervises assigned staff. Provides and/or coordinates necessary education, orientation and support to the team.
• Provides input in the development of annual operating and capital budgets, monitors and analyzes performance and productivity and implements necessary corrective plans. Utilizes budget information in management decision-making.
• Provides front-line leadership as a resource, mentor, and role model in delivering patient care using a team approach
• Coordinates equipment and supply needs to ensure availability as necessary.
• Attends department meetings, management meetings and others as assigned. Conducts regular staff meetings/huddles.
• Monitors safety compliance and contributes to fostering a culture of safety at the unit level.
• Forms effective work team through communication, team-building skills, coaching and counseling techniques, mentoring, delegation, decisiveness and integrity.
• Supports and participates in departmental performance improvement and quality activities.
• May assist with additional management duties as assigned by the unit/department director, including, but not limited to: Interviewing and hiring of personnel, scheduling of staff, utilization of special pay practices, timekeeping, and maintaining personnel records.
• Provide staff performance feedback including annual reviews and discipline as needed.
• Maintains high level clinical competence to assess patient needs, plan patient care, implement appropriate interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of patient care delivered to defined patient population.
• Provides orientation/education for staff, students and other hospitals and community organizations as needed. Understands employee competency documentation requirements.
• Performs other responsibilities as requested.

Mimimum Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

• Possession of a current or compact state license as a registered nurse issued/defined by the State of Iowa.
• Bachelor degree in Nursing, or actively in pursuit of Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (accepted into a Program and/or currently enrolled). Expected to take at least six credits per year at Unit Director’s discretion for exception.
• Minimum of two (2) years of RN perioperative experience required.
• Management experience preferred.
• Certified Nurse, Operating Room (CNOR) or alternative certification preferred.
• Basic Life Support certified within six (6) weeks of hire. The acceptable credentialing body is the American Heart Association.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or obtained within six (6) months of hire per department requirements.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified or obtained within six (6) months of hire per department requirements.
• Proof of completion of Mandatory reporter abuse training specific to population served with three (3) months of hire.
• Ability to read, write and speak English language.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, knowledge of surgeon needs, procedures and equipment required.
• Strong interpersonal skills with staff, management and physicians required.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.