Director of Acute Care Services

140-180K + Bonus + Paid Relocation + SIGNING BONUS 

The Director of Acute Care Services is a critical leadership position responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of designated inpatient nursing functions, specifically encompassing Medical-Surgical (MedSurg), Progressive Care Unit (PCU), and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) services.

Reporting directly to the senior executive (Chief Nursing Officer), this Director is accountable for the assessment, planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of all nursing practice across these multi-unit levels. The role assumes 24/7 accountability for assigned areas, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and appropriate patient care. The Director will drive clinical staff competency, optimize resource management, and act as a pivotal role model and advocate for the professional discipline of nursing throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Provide comprehensive 24/7 leadership and direction for all patient care services within the MedSurg, PCU, and ICU units, ensuring consistent adherence to hospital policies and standards of care.

• Quality & Safety: Spearhead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives across all acute care services, ensuring continuous compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS, State regulations).

• Strategic Planning: Assist the CNO in developing and executing strategic plans for nursing services, focusing on clinical growth, patient flow optimization, and exceptional patient outcomes.

• Staff Management & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop Unit Managers, supervisors, and clinical staff. Oversee performance management, staffing models, scheduling, and labor relations to maintain high engagement and clinical competency across all acute care areas.

• Financial Stewardship: Oversee departmental budgets, monitor expenses, and implement effective resource utilization strategies to achieve operational and financial targets.

• Interpersonal & Advocacy: Utilize highly effective interpersonal and communication skills to foster a collaborative work environment. Serve as a powerful advocate for nursing staff and patient needs to executive leadership.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Required:

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Experience

• Required:

  • A minimum of 2 years of progressive management experience in an acute care hospital environment. This experience must be at the Manager level or higher, or in a full-time charge nurse/related position with significant management scope.

  • Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing multiple inpatient units, with direct experience in Critical Care (ICU/PCU) highly valued.

Licensure & Certifications

• Required:

  • Active and current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice (or the ability to obtain prior to start).

  • AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

  • Currently licensed, certified, or registered to practice profession as required by law, regulation in the state of practice or policy.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a Master’s-prepared nurse leader with a proven track record of successful operational management over diverse and critical inpatient services.

• Seniority Level: Director

• Management Experience Required: Yes (Minimum 2+ years)

• Minimum Education: Master's Degree in Nursing

• Screening Note: Candidates must confirm they have a Master's of Science in Nursing and a minimum of 2 years of nursing leadership experience.