Unit Manager (69383)

A Unit Manager is responsible for directing, coordinating, and supervising nursing care on an assigned unit to ensure residents receive high-quality, person-centered care. The Unit Manager oversees nursing staff, monitors clinical outcomes, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, participates in QAPI initiatives, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to promote resident safety and quality of life. The Unit Manager also serves as a clinical resource for staff, residents, families, and physicians while maintaining survey readiness and supporting continuous quality improvement.

Primary Responsibilities

Resident Care Management

Oversees the delivery of quality nursing care.

• Ensures residents receive individualized care according to their care plans.
• Monitors changes in resident condition and coordinates appropriate interventions.
• Reviews physician orders for accuracy and implementation.
• Participates in admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Conducts resident rounds daily.

Clinical Oversight

• Supervises licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
• Ensures treatments and medications are administered correctly.
• Monitors infection prevention practices.
• Investigates resident incidents, accidents, and complaints.
• Ensures documentation is accurate, timely, and survey-ready.

Care Planning

• Participates in interdisciplinary care plan meetings.
• Reviews and updates resident care plans.
• Coordinates with therapy, dietary, social services, and activities.
• Communicates resident goals with families and staff.

Staff Supervision

• Provides leadership and clinical guidance to nursing staff.
• Assists with orientation of new employees.
• Conducts competency observations and coaching.
• Addresses performance concerns and provides education.
• Helps manage staffing assignments and workflow.

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

• Performs routine chart audits.
• Monitors compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
• Assists during state surveys and develops plans of correction when needed.
• Ensures completion of required assessments and documentation.

Communication

• Serves as the primary contact for physicians, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Communicates changes in resident condition.
• Participates in daily clinical meetings and shift reports.
• Coordinates follow-up on physician recommendations and laboratory results.

Infection Prevention

• Monitors residents for signs and symptoms of infection.
• Ensures isolation precautions are followed.
• Reports infections to the Infection Preventionist as required.

Documentation Review

• Reviews nursing documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Ensures documentation supports reimbursement and regulatory compliance.
• Monitors completion of incident reports and follow-up documentation.

Daily Duties

A Unit Manager's typical day may include:

• Morning clinical rounds.
• Reviewing the 24-hour report.
• Following up on new admissions and hospital returns.
• Reviewing physician orders and laboratory reports.
• Responding to resident or family concerns.
• Supervising medication passes and treatments.
• Auditing charts and documentation.
• Coaching staff and providing education.
• Participating in care conferences.
• Completing incident investigations.
• Preparing the unit for regulatory surveys.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Many SNFs evaluate Unit Managers based on:

• Fall rates.
• Pressure injury prevalence.
• Infection rates.
• Medication error rates.
• Weight loss management.
• Hospital readmission rates.
• Resident and family satisfaction.
• Documentation compliance.
• Care plan completion.
• Staff retention and attendance.
• Survey deficiency outcomes.
• QAPI participation.

Essential Skills

Clinical assessment and critical thinking.

Leadership and team management.

• Time management and organization.
• Conflict resolution.
• Effective communication.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations.
• Electronic health record (EHR) proficiency.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.