Director of Inpatient Nursing (Acute Care)

Texas Children's Hospital•Austin, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director provides leadership for a 24-bed Acute Care unit that functions similarly to an Intermediate Care Unit (IMU) / Step-Down model. The unit provides care for medically complex pediatric patients requiring enhanced monitoring, including epilepsy monitoring, neurosurgical, and surgical populations, while supporting specialized postoperative care associated with a world-renowned craniofacial surgery program.

Requirements

Five (5) years of progressive management and leadership experience in healthcare or nursing operations (Required)
Current RN licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing or Nursing Licensure Compact
Magnet recognized certification , required within one year of entering role and tracked/maintained by Nursing Operations (Required)
Quality improvement methodologies and patient care delivery models
Budgeting and financial management principles
Staff development and performance management
Word processing and spreadsheet applications
Computer proficiency and data analysis skills
Ability to improve the quality of nursing care and patient outcomes
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)
Master’s Degree in Nursing, Business, or a healthcare-related field
Candidates must possess both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, with at least one degree in Nursing. A Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field is acceptable only if the candidate holds a Master’s degree in Nursing.

Nice To Haves

Inpatient Acute Care experience (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Partner with staff, medical leadership, and department leaders to ensure clinical excellence within a family-centered care environment, utilizing data, reports, and performance metrics to identify trends and develop action plans.
Serve as a collaborative partner with the Medical Director and healthcare provider teams to ensure effective communication, alignment, and achievement of departmental goals.
Facilitate collaboration and cooperation among diverse groups, disciplines, and stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes and advance patient care excellence.
Lead and support staff participation in the Quality Outcomes Program and unit-based quality initiatives to achieve exemplary clinical outcomes and continuous improvement.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and evidence-based practice that enhances patient and family experiences.
Demonstrate strong fiscal accountability through the effective management and justification of personnel, equipment, supplies, and capital resources.
Ensure operational decisions support both quality outcomes and financial sustainability.
Participate in the budget process for departments, setting targets and goals in partnership with division leadership in alignment with campus strategic initiatives.
Commit to the ongoing professional development of self, unit leadership, and staff to support engagement, succession planning, and career growth.
Foster an inclusive and supportive environment that reflects Texas Children’s HEART values and promotes team member excellence.
Complete timely performance appraisals for direct reports.
Conduct appropriate investigations and follow-up on patient and team member concerns.
Develop and modify job descriptions as necessary.
Ensure new staff complete hospital and departmental orientation within established timelines.
Prepare and submit annual operating and capital budgets.
Report departmental performance and outcomes on a monthly basis.
Submit performance planning documents, action plans, and department goals.
Maintain readiness for accreditation and regulatory requirements, including Joint Commission standards, while collaborating across departments to ensure organizational compliance.