Director Nursing

At Houston Methodist, the Director of Nursing position is responsible for the 24/7 management of assigned nursing units and departments, ensuring the quality of nursing care delivered, as well as planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating nursing services within the area of specialty.

About the Role

This position provides leadership and oversight for strategic and operational objectives of the Department of Nursing. It establishes strategic and tactical plans for clinical services, new programs, and human resource allocation while promoting a practice environment that empowers nurses to deliver effective, compassionate, efficient, and knowledgeable care. The Director works with the Medical Staff to maintain regulations and accreditation standards and oversees department staff to ensure quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Accountabilities include employee engagement, staffing levels, budget development and compliance, hiring and termination decisions, performance coaching, and policy implementation to ensure a safe and effective work environment. This role also ensures compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements through training and monitoring initiatives.

Responsibilities

• People:
  • Directs, develops, and implements strategic and operational projects to meet objectives.
  • Oversees staff management, including selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation.
  • Provides guidance and feedback to strengthen staff knowledge and skills.
  • Ensures department turnover and employee engagement metrics meet or exceed goals.
  • Conducts regular department meetings, performance appraisals, coaching, and recognition initiatives.
  • Builds strategic relationships across departments to achieve business goals.
  • Promotes teamwork and leads process improvements.
  • Implements change and motivates staff to maintain compliance and engagement.
• Service:
  • Oversees department operations, projects, and schedules to meet objectives.
  • Sets priorities and standards to ensure high customer/patient satisfaction.
  • Drives department service standards to impact satisfaction scores.
  • Actively participates in entity committees as a department representative.
  • Maintains 24/7 accountability for patient care, operations, and personnel decisions.
• Quality/Safety:
  • Ensures a safe work environment and revises department safety plans as needed.
  • Maintains staff credentials and competencies per accreditation and regulatory guidelines.
  • Optimizes safe outcomes through workflow improvements and peer accountability.
  • Implements process improvements using lean principles.
  • Role models situational awareness and safety practices.
  • Ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinates interprofessional patient care for clinical excellence and optimal outcomes.
• Finance:
  • Develops and manages operational and capital budgets.
  • Identifies and plans for capital needs related to equipment and projects.
  • Ensures cost-effective staffing plans and schedules.
  • Creates strategies to meet financial targets and staffing needs.
  • Analyzes budget reports, variances, and resource utilization.
  • Interprets complex data sets and reports for decision-making.
• Growth/Innovation:
  • Identifies and implements innovative solutions for workflow improvements.
  • Leads unit projects and department/system-directed activities.
  • Proactively leads task forces and committees.
  • Drives change initiatives and adjusts to new work structures or processes.
  • Partners with stakeholders to achieve goals.
  • Ensures career development discussions and My Development Plan (MDP) updates for self and staff.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree, one of which must be in nursing. If no current Master’s degree, must obtain within two years and be enrolled in a degree program at the time of hire/transfer.
• Experience: Three years in a clinical setting, with at least two years of people management experience.
• Licenses and Certifications:
  • Texas RN license (must obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days if establishing residency).
  • Magnet-ANCC Recognized Leadership Certification within one year.

Skills

• Demonstrates competencies for safe job performance through skills assessments and evaluations.
• Proficient in English (speaking, reading, writing) for patient and employee safety.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build confidence in leadership and organizational intentions.
• Adaptable interpersonal styles to gain acceptance of ideas and accommodate tasks or situations.
• Leadership, critical thinking, self-direction, and effective oral/written communication.
• Ability to identify issues, analyze data, and develop solutions aligned with facts and constraints.
• Extensive knowledge of regulatory and accreditation requirements; stays updated on industry changes.
• Highly effective written and presentation communication skills.
• Works effectively in fast-paced environments with flexibility and adaptability.
• Leads teams, builds consensus, and garners confidence in professionalism and work product.
• Works under pressure, balances priorities, and is solution-oriented.
• Proficient in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software.
• Maintains a positive attitude and handles confidential/sensitive information professionally.

Supplemental Requirements

• Work Attire: Business professional.
• On-Call: Required during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather).
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area.