ICU Director (RN) – Critical Care Leadership | Las Cruces, NM

Our client is seeking a Director, ICU to provide strategic and operational leadership for a hospital-based Intensive Care Unit, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, patient‑centered critical care. This role oversees clinical operations, staffing, budgeting, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and service line development. The Director collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes, strengthen staff engagement, and support innovation in critical care services. This position carries 24‑hour accountability for ICU performance.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Responsibilities:

Clinical & Operational Leadership

• Oversees planning, implementation, and evaluation of critical care nursing services for adult and geriatric populations.
• Ensures delivery of evidence‑based, high‑acuity care aligned with organizational standards.
• Maintains 24‑hour accountability for ICU operations, problem resolution, and patient flow.
• Develops and enforces ICU policies, procedures, and disaster preparedness plans.
• Coordinates staff education, competencies, and training on new equipment and clinical practices.

Quality, Safety & Regulatory Oversight

• Participates in audits, inspections, and quality reviews.
• Leads quality improvement initiatives, analyzing performance metrics and driving measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., CMS, Joint Commission)
• Implements evidence‑based protocols to reduce harm events (e.g., CLABSI, CAUTI, sepsis)

People Leadership & Workforce Development

• Fosters a positive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.
• Directs recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and performance management of ICU staff.
• Provides coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Develop staffing plans and schedules to ensure safe, efficient resource utilization.

Strategic Planning & Financial Management

• Supports service line growth and program development initiatives.
• Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the ICU.
• Oversees budgeting, resource allocation, and cost‑effective service delivery.
• Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with healthcare software systems and data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and drive performance improvement.
• 3–5 years of leadership experience in critical care or a closely related field.
• Strong background in ICU clinical operations, quality improvement, and staff development.
• Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing or related field required or 7+ years equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Licensure & Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
• Active RN license (state or compact) required.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

Benefits & Perks:

• Life and Disability Insurance
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• PTO and extended illness bank
• 401(k) with employer contributions
• Professional development and growth opportunities