Patient Care Service Director Registered Nurse / RN

Director Of Patient Care Services

Be inspired. Be valued. Belong. At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:

• Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
• Family-focused benefits
• Wellness incentives
• Ongoing mentorship, development, leadership programs
• And more

Reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)/Vice President of Patient Care Services or the Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) of a specific Emory Healthcare Operating Unit or PGP practice area, the Director of Patient Care Services provides leadership and oversight of clinical operations and strategic initiatives to achieve performance goals related to productivity, quality, safety, and patient satisfaction.

This role collaborates closely with Emory Healthcare operating entity ACNOs, the Vice President of Nursing, and key Medical Directors to develop, implement, and evaluate nursing operational plans, objectives, and standards. The Director is also accountable for budget oversight, resource allocation, and strategic growth initiatives to ensure high-quality, cost-effective patient care.

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Lead the development and execution of strategic growth initiatives and operational objectives for the service line.
• Collaborate with entity ACNOs, physicians, and nursing teams to align service goals with the Emory Healthcare mission and vision.
• Utilize data-driven analytics to project service growth, financial impact, and operational priorities.
• Develop and implement programs that enhance value-based care and ensure regulatory compliance.

Clinical & Operational Oversight

• Oversee clinical and operational workflows to optimize patient care delivery and service efficiency.
• Monitor and manage functional unit nursing budgets to ensure cost-effective resource utilization.
• Standardize policies, procedures, orientation programs, training, and clinical competencies across the health system.
• Foster collaboration among entities to maintain accreditation, certification, and recognition for high performance.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Partner with the Office of Quality to lead service-level quality committees and improvement initiatives.
• Implement evidence-based practices that enhance patient safety and strengthen risk management processes.
• Monitor and analyze quality metrics to improve outcomes and mitigate financial disincentives.
• Promote participation in clinical research and integrate findings into practice improvements.

Team Development & Engagement

• Cultivate a culture of engagement, accountability, and professional development across the service.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the communities served.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentorship, and competency assessments.
• Foster a healthy work environment that encourages collaboration, professional growth, and high morale.

Financial & Resource Management

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing required OR
• Master's degree in another discipline with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Orthopedic Areas (Non-Nursing)

• Master of Science as an Athletic Trainer required

Experience

• Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible senior nursing leadership experience.
• In-depth knowledge of nursing competencies, scope of practice, and professional standards.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and operational execution in complex healthcare environments.

Licensure

• Acute / Ambulatory Settings:
• Valid, unencumbered Registered Nurse license approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
• Virtual Care Settings:
• If overseeing virtual care activities, an active compact/multistate license (eNLC) is required within 60 days of hire.

Certifications

• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC) or comparable certification (CNML or CENP) must be obtained within one (1) year of entry into the role.

• All Candidates:
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required depending on specialty area after hire.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven leadership experience managing large-scale clinical operations.
• Strong ability to synthesize information quickly from multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, engagement, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in quality improvement, financial management, and regulatory compliance.
• Passion for healthcare innovation and delivering patient-centered care.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Doctoral degree strongly preferred (DNP, PhD, or DrPH).

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible senior nursing leadership experience.
• Experience working in a Magnet-designated hospital or within a health system pursuing Magnet recognition.

Develop and execute financial strategies to meet operational and budgetary objectives. Advocate for appropriate resource allocation to support patient care and service growth. Drive operational efficiency improvements while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.

Physical Requirements

10+ lbs. 67-100% of the workday (constantly). Lifting 10+ lbs max, carrying of small articles such as dockets, ledgers, files, small tools, frequent standing & walking, occasional sitting, close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. Environmental factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste. chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, communicable diseases, electrical shock, floor surfaces, hot/cold temperatures, indoor/outdoor conditions, latex, lighting patient care/handling injuries, radiation, shift work, travel may be required, use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.