What Exactly Are The Responsibilities of A Unit Managere?

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 27, 2018

Generally, the unit manager is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the unit, as well as long-range budgeting and goal-planning. They are responsible for staffing, hiring, disciplinary action, productivity, etc. They will answer to finance if their productivity or supplies usage is not on target.

For more info, read this thread:

https://allnurses.com/nurse-management/what-do-nurse-1131947.html

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 27, 2018

As far as salary goes, that is really hard to answer. Is this 24/7 responsibility? How big is the facility, and how many FTEs are in your span of control?

For a typical unit manager position, I've seen pay ranging from $80,000 all the way to $180,000 depending on the size of the facility and the geographical location.

NurseC1986 · Mar 27, 2018

Thank you for your information. I have an interview & now know what I can ask. I'm not really sure how many will be in my span but I will ask. Thank you again.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 27, 2018

Things I would ask as an applicant for a manager position:

How many FTEs am I responsible for?

Are the nurses part of a union?

What has been the historical productivity index of the unit (the PI is how staffing is compared to census - a desirable PI is between 97-103% - less than 97% means that the unit is overstaffed for census, greater than 103% means that the nurses are understaffed)

Am I responsible for creation of the annual budget for the unit?

Are there any capital projects or purchases for the unit anticipated over the next few years?

What are a few specific issues/problems/projects would you want me to focus on in the first year?

What type of support systems are in place for a new manager to the facility for guidance/advice, etc?

NurseC1986 · Mar 27, 2018

Thank you that is extremely helpful. I currently work as a charge nurse but I was never given clear directions on my job description. I was told "just keep the patients alive as beat you can." So this will definitely be a change but I think I will enjoy a role as a unit manager.

NurseC1986 · Mar 27, 2018

Well, it sucks but I did not get the job. They failed to tell me they had already filled the position for unit manager. Better luck next time I guess. I am going to continue looking. But thank you for your opinions I truly value them. I will make sure to keep those for my next interview.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2018

Unit manager would definitely be salary. And would probably involve 24/7 responsibility for the unit.

SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN · Mar 28, 2018

Yeah, even at the VA out managers are on a salary. Its a tough job and I wouldn't want it. Managers seem to be the epicenter for all things BS. Personnel decisions, policy decisions that have opposition, etc... I wish you luck but think hard about taking this on

Have Nurse, ADN, RN · Mar 29, 2018

I was offered a job interview as a unit manager. I was wondering what exactly a unit manager is responsible for & also how much I should request for pay (or would I be salary?) This will be my second nursing job (I have worked at the same place right after licensure almost two years ago. Lastly, I would like to hear other stories of their experience as a unit manager.

Well, first off, you might ask for a written job description of your role. Duties can vary depending on where one works.

Secondly, do not discuss salary or wage during and interview. One only does that AFTER an offer is made. If you aren't sure though, regarding salary negotiations, (when it's appropriate to discuss,) go online and do a search of nursing salaries in your area. That will give you some insight.