Patient Care Manager (NICU)

At Children's Wisconsin, we believe kids deserve the best.

Children's Wisconsin is a nationally recognized health system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. We provide primary care, specialty care, urgent care, emergency care, community health services, foster and adoption services, child and family counseling, child advocacy services and family resource centers. Our reputation draws patients and families from around the country.

We offer a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities and are seeking individuals dedicated to helping us achieve our vision of the healthiest kids in the country. If you want to work for an organization that makes a difference for children and families, and encourages you to be at your best every day, please apply today.

Please follow this link for a closer look at what it's like to work at Children's Wisconsin:

**This is a new role, created due to growth in our Level IV NICU!

Job Summary
The Patient Care Manager (PCM) is responsible for translating organizational strategy into effective day-to-day operations, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and patient- and family-centered care. This role provides leadership for clinical, operational, and financial performance within the unit, driving consistency, workforce engagement, and continuous improvement. The PCM partners closely with physician and CNS leadership and key stakeholders to standardize care, drive evidence-based practice, and advance service line goals to achieve optimal patient outcomes while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and professional development.

Essential Functions

• Executes daily unit operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable care delivery- Accountable for day-to-day operations, including staffing, patient flow, and workflow coordination to meet patient care needs.
• Ensures safe staffing and workforce optimization at the unit level- Develops and manages schedules, adjusts staffing based on census and acuity, and ensures appropriate skill mix for safe care delivery.
• Implements quality, safety, and patient experience initiatives within the unit- Leads unit-based adoption of organizational initiatives and ensures compliance with standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitors and manages unit performance using data and metrics- Tracks key performance indicators (e.g., quality, staffing, experience), identifies gaps, and takes action to improve unit-level outcomes.
• Maintains accountability for unit-based operational, quality, and financial results- Manages labor, productivity, and resource utilization within budget while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Coaches, develops, and supports frontline staff and emerging leaders- Provides ongoing feedback, performance management, and development to build team capability and engagement.
• Leads recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts for the unit- Ensures appropriate staffing levels through hiring, effective onboarding, and engagement strategies to reduce turnover.
• Ensures adherence to standardized clinical and operational processes- Maintains consistency in care delivery by reinforcing established protocols, policies, and workflows.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to support patient care- Works closely with physicians, advanced practice providers, and support teams to coordinate care and resolve operational issues.
• Supports change initiatives and fosters a positive, accountable unit culture- Implements changes at the unit level, supports staff through transitions, and promotes a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Performs people management responsibilities for employees which may include but are not limited to: employee engagement, recruitment, performance management and development

People Management Responsibility

• Performs people management responsibilities for employees which may include but are not limited to: employee engagement, recruitment, performance management and development

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required
• or relevant experience

Experience

• 5+ years nursing experience required
• Supervisory experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of patient care standards, nursing processes, and evidence-based practices.
• Understanding of federal, state, and accreditation regulations (e.g., Joint Commission, Medicare/Medicaid).
• Knowledge of staffing models, patient flow, and inventory management.
• Understanding budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, and reimbursement systems.
• Ability to delegate, train, mentor, and perform evaluations.
• Exceptional verbal and written skills, active listening, and conflict resolution.
• Problem-solving under pressure and quick decision-making.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and scheduling software.
• Empathy, self-awareness, and managing emotions under stress.
• Flexibility in fast-paced, changing healthcare environments.
• Building rapport with staff, physicians, patients, and families.
• Aligning unit goals with organizational objectives.

Licenses and Certifications

• License RN-Registered Nurse (30) - State of Wisconsin required

Patient Care Responsibility

• Provides care appropriate to patient population and as described in applicable policies and procedures.

Children's Wisconsin is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We treat everyone with dignity, respect, and fairness. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status or condition protected by the law.

Certifications/Licenses:

License RN-Registered Nurse (30) - State of Wisconsin