What does an Unit Manager do?

Unit managers are primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day patient care, supervising, directing, and developing nursing staff, and reporting to a director of nursing to ensure quality patient care within long-term care centers, skilled nursing facilities, or assisted living communities. They maintain and restore patients’ health and act as a primary point of contact between residents and their family members. They address and prevent family members’ concerns and help develop, implement, and adjust patient care plans as needed.

Unit managers supervise, counsel, and provide discipline when necessary to staff to ensure the highest possible quality care and that their unit meets federal and state regulations and company policies. They complete admission and discharge assessments and deliver hands-on care and medicine distribution as needed. Unit managers need a minimum bachelor’s degree in science or nursing and two years of previous managerial experience.

What responsibilities are common for Unit Manager jobs?
  • Direct and assign employees as needed to ensure all aspects of service meet operational standards.
  • Attend other planning cycle meetings, as appropriate, if requested.
  • Guide, motivate and inspire an exceptional team of nursing professionals.
  • Respond to escalated guest requests and complaints in a respectful manner.
  • Plan and assign overtime work and maintain overtime rotation list.
  • Supervise staff, evaluate work, and recommends and implements approved disciplinary action.
  • Align staff resources and skills to support functions in department.
  • Pursue continuous performance improvement by monitoring and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of care, and ensures compliance of regulatory standards.
  • Serve as the expert and role model for staff.
  • Communicate effectively with other members of the response and stakeholders.
  • Maintain supply inventory records. Order supplies and equipment, as necessary.
  • Review emergency preparedness plans with cohorts and stakeholders. provide updates when responsibilities or assigned actions change.
What are the typical qualifications for Unit Manager jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in engineering, computer science or business, or engineering degree and equivalent experience.
  • Experience with C and R Language software and systems.
  • Attention to detail and a focus on operational excellence.
  • Demonstrated solid work ethic and adaptability.
  • Confident leading and making decisions.
  • A critical thinker and problem solver.
  • Demonstrated time management skills
  • Is comfortable managing teams.
  • Six Sigma training.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.4 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.8 ★
Avg. Experience2-4 years

How much does an Unit Manager make?

Confident
$81,842 /yr
Total Pay
$68,741
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$13,102
 /yr

Additional Pay

$81,842

 / yr
$55K$123K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
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Unit Manager Career Path

Learn how to become an Unit Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Unit Manager

Years of Experience Distribution

0 - 1
25%
2 - 4
43%
5 - 7
6%
8+
26%
Not including years spent in education and/or training

Unit Manager Insights

Read what Unit Manager professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
Palm Beach TanPalm Beach Tan
Multi Unit Manager
Feb 3, 2021

“beginning pay isn’t great unless you’re a student or just want a little fun side job”

FreshMenuFreshMenu
Assistant Unit Manager
Jan 15, 2022

“Only CEO is good rest everyone waste don't know the way to operate business n manage employees”

GC ServicesGC Services
Customer Service Unit Manager
Sep 30, 2022

“Good performance is noticed and rewarded.”

Cooper Machinery ServicesCooper Machinery Services
Business Unit Manager
Jul 14, 2021

“The few really good contributors don't have promotion opportunities because "they are too valuable" in their current roles.”

NoBrokerNoBroker
Unit Leader
Feb 17, 2021

“Good good good good goos”

HalliburtonHalliburton
Business Unit Manager
Aug 8, 2021

“Good good good good good”

Carnival GroupCarnival Group
Unit Manager
Feb 1, 2022

“Good to work and great”

H&R BlockH&R Block
Multi-Unit Team Leader
Apr 22, 2022

“Great way to start your career off and gain experience in the field”

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Unit Manager Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of an Unit Manager

The most similar professions to Unit Manager are:
  • Manager
  • Regional Manager
  • General Manager
  • Branch Manager

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Unit Manager Jobs