Inpatient Unit (IPU) Manager

Big Bend Hospice (BBH) is your “Hometown Hospice,” providing compassionate end-of-life care for over 40 years to the Big Bend region. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, and excellence, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Inpatient Unit (IPU) Manager to lead our 12-bed Inpatient Unit, Margaret Z. Dozier House located in Tallahassee, Florida.

The ideal candidate for the IPU Manager position is a dynamic, people-focused leader who excels at building a culture of accountability grounded in trust, respect, and support. This individual will oversee the daily operations of the inpatient unit while driving exceptional patient care, team engagement, and operational excellence. Through clear expectations, consistent coaching, and visible leadership, the IPU Manager fosters an environment where staff feel empowered, supported, and motivated to deliver their best, ensuring both patients and team members experience the highest level of care and compassion.

 

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

The IPU Manager’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides strong, visible leadership for the IPU, establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, and fostering a respectful and supportive team culture.
• Oversees day-to-day operations of the inpatient unit, including housekeeping, dietary, transportation, laundry services, medical supplies, DME, and pharmacy services.
• Directly supervises IPU staff and Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) members, ensuring team members are equipped, trained, and supported to perform their roles effectively.
• Coaches, mentors, and develops staff through ongoing feedback, performance management, and regular one-on-one meetings.
• Promotes employee engagement, professional growth, and a positive work environment that encourages collaboration and excellence.
• Manages staffing, scheduling, timecard approvals, and time-off requests to ensure appropriate coverage and continuity of care.
• Conducts clinical supervisory observations and competency assessments to ensure high standards of care and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborates with Human Resources on hiring, retention, employee relations, and performance management, including corrective actions when necessary.
• Leads recruitment efforts by interviewing and selecting candidates who align with BBH’s mission and values.
• Facilitates regular staff and IDG meetings, ensuring clear communication, engagement, and alignment across the team.
• Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and BBH policies, maintaining readiness and operational excellence.
• Supports and participates in patient care coordination, including admissions, discharges, transfers, and collaboration with physicians and hospital partners.
• Acts as a liaison between staff, patients, families, and providers to address concerns, resolve conflicts, and ensure a positive care experience.
• Assists with developing and implementing best practices, policies, and procedures to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Monitors patient care quality and safety, investigates concerns, and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Maintains continuity of care across shifts and ensures clear, effective communication among all stakeholders.
• Participates in strategic planning and organizational initiatives to support the growth and success of the IPU.
• Assists in maintaining medication inventory, ordering, and pharmacy coordination as needed.
• Supports emergency preparedness and ensures continuity of operations during staffing shortages or disaster events.
• Consistently represents Big Bend Hospice with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to exceptional service.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Work Schedule:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM as the primary schedule
• This role requires a high level of flexibility to provide leadership presence across a 24/7 operation and remain connected to all team members
• Participation in a rotating on-call schedule supporting both Tallahassee Big Bend Hospice IPUs is required
• The IPU Manager leads from the front and is expected to step in to provide direct patient care when needed to support the team and ensure uninterrupted patient care
• Schedule is subject to change based on patient and organizational needs

 

 

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a fast-paced, high-acuity or critical care setting
• Hospice experience preferred
• Active Florida Registered Nurse (RN) license required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• CHPN certification preferred

Skills & Abilities: 

• Proven leadership ability with a focus on building accountable, high-performing teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality in all interactions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn internal systems
  

Requirements: 

▪ Current Florida Driver’s License
▪ Valid auto insurance and reliable transportation
▪ Commitment to BBH’s core values: integrity, compassion, and accountability

 

Total Rewards:

Big Bend Hospice offers a robust Total Rewards package to include Competitive Salary, Robust Employee Benefits, Recognition and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (eligible for most roles).

 

 

Apply today and help us grow our mission to inspire hope by positively impacting the way our community experiences serious illness or grieve - one family at a time!

 

 

Big Bend Hospice is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.