Nursing Director - Inpatient Women's Services

Erlanger Health System•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The Woman's Health Inpatient Director holds direct responsibility for the system wide Woman's Health inpatient service line, including but not limited to the following departments: Obstetrical Emergency Department (OBED), High Risk Perinatal Unit (HRPU), Labor & Delivery, Mother/Baby (Postpartum) Unit, Newborn Nursery, Gynecology Oncology Unit and the Bereavement Program. This leader maintains overall accountability for the quality of patient care, clinical outcomes, and performance of the nursing staff across all perinatal inpatient areas. The Director oversees and supports unit managers in the orientation, education, and professional development of staff to ensure they possess the knowledge and competencies required to care for women, newborns, and families across the continuum of perinatal services and women's health. The Director contributes to nursing and organizational philosophy, strategic objectives, and educational initiatives that support excellence in Woman's Health. This role collaborates closely with physicians, nursing teams, support departments, and related service lines to ensure exceptional patient care, seamless coordination, and a consistently positive patient and family experience. The Women's Health Inpatient Director reports directly to and partners with the Chief Nursing Officer of Children's Hospital and Women's Services to ensure achievement of all financial, operational, and quality metrics. Serves as a key member of the Women's Health Leadership Team by overseeing the operations of assigned Women's Services inpatient divisions, as designated by Senior Management. Acts as a conduit for implementing and sustaining the strategic direction, guidelines, and vision of Executive Management to ensure exceptional quality, safety, and patient family satisfaction across all Women's Services areas. Assumes administrative responsibilities as assigned. Directs and coordinates the clinical and operational functions of Women's Health Inpatient Services across multiple campuses in the Erlanger Health system, including the Obstetrical Emergency Department, High Risk Perinatal Unit, Labor & Delivery Unit, Mother/Baby (Postpartum) Unit, Newborn Nursery, Gynecology Oncology Department, and the Bereavement Program. Ensures a continuously improving standard of patient care and service excellence for women, newborns, and families within the Erlanger Health System and the region. The role may include both direct and indirect patient care responsibilities as needed. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, leadership abilities that foster staff growth and professional development, and effective problem solving and decision-making capabilities. Interacts appropriately and collaboratively with personnel at all levels of the organization. In alignment with Erlanger's mission and vision, leads and promotes high quality perinatal and neonatal patient care, supports effective change, and advances professional nursing practice. Fosters an environment that encourages service excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a culture of safety and respect. Key leadership attributes include accountability, courage, fairness, consistency, and transparent communication that builds trust throughout the organization. Maintains a self-directed professional practice grounded in advocacy for patients, families, and the healthcare team. Demonstrates a leadership style that values people, teamwork, and the creation of a supportive, high performing Women's Services culture.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Nursing School and current professional nursing licensure.
Minimum of five years of progressive management or leadership experience, with at least three years in a large or complex healthcare environment.
Experience working with physicians and demonstrated success in business planning and program implementation.
Background in Women's Health, Obstetrics, Emergency, or Critical Care leadership.
Strong facilitative leadership with a patient- and family-centered focus.
Skilled in strategic planning, business development, and operational oversight.
Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive continuous improvement, and foster accountability.
Excellent communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making, and financial management skills.
Ability to navigate complex relationships and serve as a diplomatic, solutions-oriented leader.
Current licensure to practice nursing in the State of Tennessee.
Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state must be obtained within three months of hire for non-Tennessee residents.
ACLS Certification
NRP Certification
Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, leadership abilities that foster staff growth and professional development, and effective problem solving and decision-making capabilities.
Interacts appropriately and collaboratively with personnel at all levels of the organization.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Instructor of NRP and/or STABLE
Advanced Fetal Monitoring Certification
Certified Obstetrical Nurse (RNC-OB) or equivalent certification in a Women's Health Specialty

Responsibilities

Direct responsibility for the system wide Woman's Health inpatient service line.
Maintain overall accountability for the quality of patient care, clinical outcomes, and performance of the nursing staff across all perinatal inpatient areas.
Oversee and support unit managers in the orientation, education, and professional development of staff.
Contribute to nursing and organizational philosophy, strategic objectives, and educational initiatives.
Collaborate closely with physicians, nursing teams, support departments, and related service lines.
Overseeing the operations of assigned Women's Services inpatient divisions.
Acts as a conduit for implementing and sustaining the strategic direction, guidelines, and vision of Executive Management.
Directs and coordinates the clinical and operational functions of Women's Health Inpatient Services across multiple campuses.
Ensures a continuously improving standard of patient care and service excellence.
Leads and promotes high quality perinatal and neonatal patient care, supports effective change, and advances professional nursing practice.
Fosters an environment that encourages service excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a culture of safety and respect.
Maintains a self-directed professional practice grounded in advocacy for patients, families, and the healthcare team.