Medical​/Surgical Nurse Manager

Primary Function and Positional Purpose

The Medical/Surgical Nurse Manager is responsible for the clinical and administrative management of the Med/Surg unit. This leader ensures delivery of safe, high-quality, and patient-centered care by supervising staff, coordinating operations, and promoting a culture of excellence and accountability. The Nurse Manager collaborates with physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and hospital leadership to support organizational goals.

Provide leadership for daily operations of the Med/Surg/Swing Bed units, including direct patient care oversight, staffing, and resource allocation.

• Ensure patient care delivery is consistent with evidence-based practices, regulatory standards, and hospital policies
• Lead a multidisciplinary approach across the continuum of care to promote coordinated, patient-centered services
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance evaluations for nursing staff and support personnel
• Promote staff development through orientation, ongoing education, competency validation, and supportive mentorship
• Serve as a resource for staff, supporting clinical growth, decision-making, and performance improvement.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary rounding and patient care planning to ensure collaborative care delivery
• Act as a liaison for the Med/Surg unit, facilitating communication and collaboration between staff, physicians, families, and ancillary departments
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels on all shifts by leading effective and proactive scheduling, including biweekly payroll submission and staff time oversight
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies to support a stable, engaged, and high-performing team
• Responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of nursing policies and procedures aligned with current standards
• Monitor and manage unit performance metrics, including:
  • HCAHPS scores
  • Infection prevention
  • Readmission rates
  • Swing bed utilization
  • Clinical quality outcomes
  • Fall prevention
• Maintain regulatory readiness and ensure documentation compliance for all patient care activities
• Lead and facilitate unit-based and hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives
• Facilitate and participate in committees, task forces, and departmental work groups, driving strategic goals and operational improvements
• Maintain a departmental dashboard, providing timely updates on key performance indicators, outcome trends, and progress toward unit and organizational goals
• Collaborate with finance and materials management to develop and administer the unit budget, manage supplies and equipment, and ensure cost-effective, efficient operations
• Create and implement plans of correction in response to budget variances or performance deficits

• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Graduate of an accredited nursing school
• BSN or willingness to obtain within 2 years of hire
• Current licensure to practice nursing in the State of Iowa
• BLS Certification
• ACLS Certification
• PALS Certification
• NRP Certification
• TNCC Certification

• Minimum of 3 years of acute care nursing experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in EMR systems and basic data analysis
• Knowledge of healthcare regulations and quality standards

The mission of Van Buren County Hospital is to provide patients and staff with a superior experience by working as one to deliver compassionate and personalized healthcare close to home.

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