Director of Nursing, MU Health Care, University Hospital

University of Missouri Health Care • Columbia, MO

11d

About The Position

MU Health Care is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Director of Nursing to lead our adult acute care services at University Hospital. This role is essential to advancing our academic health system’s mission through collaboration, innovation, and an unrelenting focus on patient-centered care. As Director, you’ll oversee a diverse group of nurse managers and frontline teams, shaping clinical operations, optimizing staffing models, and driving quality improvements in areas such as CLABSI, CAUTI and Falls reduction. You’ll work alongside service line leaders and senior executives to elevate care delivery while mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders in a Magnet-journey organization.
The ideal candidate brings at least two years of Director-level experience—or 6–10 years in progressive nursing leadership with system-level influence—and a proven track record of business acumen, budget stewardship, and quality outcome improvement. Success in this role requires exceptional communication, collaborative spirit, and a passion for operational excellence in an academic setting. This is more than a leadership opportunity—it's a chance to impact lives across Missouri by setting the standard for excellence in nursing.

Requirements

• Missouri Board of Nursing RN or Nurse Licensure Compact multi-state RN. When primary state of residency changes, compact state RNs must apply under new state of residency within thirty (30) days.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing degree.
• Master's degree in business or a healthcare-related field.
• Seven (7) years of nursing experience in a hospital setting.
• Five (5) years of managerial or supervisory experience.

Nice To Haves

• PhD in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
• Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Responsibilities

• Administer the University of Missouri and MU Health Care policy that affects areas of responsibility.
• Provide mandatory reporting communication related to licensure information as required by the State Board of Nursing.
• Serve on and participate in appropriate administrative and medical staff committees.
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for clinical nursing areas to conform to strategic and financial plans of the hospital and system through the annual budget process, the monthly financial review process, expenditure of allocated funds, and appropriate charge capture for services rendered.
• Direct Nurse Manager’s actions related to areas of responsibility including, but not limited to hiring, performance management, staff development, disciplinary action, organizational goals, policy, etc. Oversees recruitment and performance management for nursing leaders.
• Direct and coordinate the work of staff, and manage personnel activities to meet departmental, hospital, and health system objectives related to the provision of patient-centered care within MU Health Care.
• Ensure a sufficient number of appropriately qualified nursing staff and other health care providers to care for patients.
• Directly manage patient care services of the inpatient units, extended observation patients, and other patients within areas of responsibility. Ensure that nursing standards compliance and training occur at all levels of the facility on a continuous and timely basis.
• Develop strategic and operational goals and plans for nursing services in collaboration with service lines and/or senior leaders. Communicate plans and direction to staff while continuously evaluating plans.
• Promote continuous performance improvement in the areas of patient, physician, and employee satisfaction. Participate in performance improvement teams, implementing CQI tools to achieve results. Ensure adherence to regulatory standards in all nursing units.
• Maintain current clinical skills to engage in patient care as appropriate.
• Oversee the development, coordination, and maintenance of daily staffing schedules to ensure the appropriate level of coverage and continuity of care across units.
• Direct the implementation and oversight of MU Health Care time and attendance policies and practices.
• May complete unit/department specific duties as outlined in department documents.

Benefits

• Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one
• Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays
• Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years
• Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%)
• Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees