Critical Care Nurse Manager

Critical Care Nurse Manager

The Manager of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Respiratory Therapy is responsible for the leadership, staffing, quality, and financial performance of the ICU, and Respiratory Therapy Department. This leader ensures delivery of safe, evidence-based care in critical and acute settings, supports effective resource utilization, and fosters a culture of teamwork and accountability. The Manager maintains 24/7 accountability for ICU and Respiratory Services and provides visible leadership during off-hours and participates in the nursing leadership call rotation (nights and weekends shared with other nurse managers) as well as Manager of the Day (MOD) responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and evaluation of ICU nurses, respiratory therapists,
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels for ICU and respiratory services, based on patient acuity and census.
• Support staff onboarding, competency validation, and continuing education.
• Oversee daily operations of the ICU and Respiratory Services, ensuring compliance with CMS and state regulations.
• Support clinical supervisors in managing patient flow, admissions, discharges, and transfers across hospital units.
• Lead performance improvement initiatives focused on critical care outcomes (e.g., sepsis, ventilator management, infection prevention).
• Manage departmental budgets, including labor, supplies, and equipment.
• Collaborate with medical staff, ancillary departments, and hospital leadership to optimize patient outcomes and throughput.
• Maintain consistent communication with staff through meetings, rounding, and feedback.
• Provide 24/7 accountability for ICU and Respiratory Therapy operations; respond to emergent issues as needed.
• Participate in the nursing leadership call rotation (nights and weekends shared with other nurse managers) and Manager of the Day (MOD) responsibilities.
• Demonstrate presence during off-hours and weekends to support staff and patient care needs.
• Represent ICU and Respiratory Therapy on hospital committees and councils, including Quality, Patient Safety, Critical Care, and Professional Practice.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in New Hampshire required.
• BSN preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of ICU staff RN experience
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, preferably in critical care.
• Strong knowledge of critical care nursing practice, regulatory requirements, and quality improvement methods.

Required

• ACLS
• PALS
• TNCC within 6 months of hire

Core Competencies

• Multidisciplinary leadership and team development
• Clinical expertise in critical care and respiratory care
• Operational and financial management
• Effective communication and conflict resolution
• Commitment to patient safety and high reliability