Director of ICU

Director of ICU

We are seeking an experienced nursing leader to provide operational and clinical leadership for a high-acuity Intensive Care Unit in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer, the Director of ICU will oversee patient care delivery, staffing, quality initiatives, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and the continued professional development of the critical care team.

The ICU maintains a 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratio and is supported by Registered Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants. The department treats patients with a broad range of complex conditions, including respiratory failure, cardiopulmonary disease, sepsis, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The organization is also working to expand its cardiac services to provide additional advanced care within the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall clinical, operational, and administrative leadership for the ICU.
• Establish departmental objectives and performance standards consistent with clinical, regulatory, legal, and ethical requirements.
• Oversee the quality and effectiveness of patient care, technology utilization, service delivery, and patient or family concerns.
• Recruit, onboard, develop, evaluate, and retain qualified nursing staff. Promote staff education, leadership development, and continued professional growth.
• Monitor ICU quality and performance indicators and implement improvements based on measurable outcomes.
• Support the use of evidence-based clinical practices throughout the department.
• Manage departmental staffing and resources to support safe, efficient patient care.
• Develop and oversee the department budget while maintaining appropriate financial controls and audit compliance.
• Collaborate with the Chief Nursing Officer and other hospital leaders on clinical and operational priorities.
• Foster a culture focused on patient safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Previous nursing leadership experience.
• Professional experience within an Intensive Care Unit.
• Associate degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.
• Current New Mexico Registered Nurse license or an eligible compact RN license. Candidates starting with a compact license must obtain a New Mexico RN license after hire.
• Ability to relocate to the Las Cruces area within 30-45 days if not currently local.

Key Skills Required

• Critical care nursing leadership
• ICU operations and patient-care management
• Staff recruitment, development, and performance management
• Quality improvement and evidence-based practice
• Budget and resource management
• Regulatory and clinical compliance
• Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration

Why This Location?

Las Cruces offers a Southwestern lifestyle with abundant sunshine and convenient access to hiking, mountain scenery, and other outdoor recreation. The area provides local restaurants, entertainment, cultural attractions, and a relaxed community atmosphere. Its proximity to the Organ Mountains and surrounding desert landscape makes it particularly appealing for candidates who enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.