Director of Nursing CVICU

Our client, an acute care hospital in Albuquerque, NM, is seeking a full-time permanent Director of Nursing for its 16-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). The unit operates within a 55-bed heart hospital and is staffed by an all-RN team of approximately 50 60 employees, supported by four full-time charge nurses across rotating shifts. The Director holds full 24-hour operational accountability for the CVICU - including clinical quality, staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and staff development - and reports directly to senior hospital leadership. This is a direct-hire, permanent opportunity for a clinically strong cardiac nursing leader with formal management experience.

• Provide 24-hour operational oversight of the CVICU including clinical, financial, and administrative activities
• Lead nurse development, retention, and recruitment for a team of approximately 50 60 RNs
• Coordinate with CT surgeons, interventionalists, and procedural service lines to ensure quality care delivery
• Oversee quality metrics including chart audits, staff education, HCAHPS outcomes, and regulatory compliance
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and timekeeping in the absence of a nurse manager layer
• Develop and submit capital and operational budget strategies for the unit
• Implement policies, standards, and programmes that support unit goals and organisational mission
• Plans and organises orientation and in-service training for staff members; participates in guidance and educational programmes
• Work with intensivists to optimise census management and patient throughput
• Foster physician engagement and establish collaborative relationships across service lines

Must-Have

• BSN from an accredited school of nursing required; candidates without BSN must be currently enrolled with a confirmed completion date
• Current RN licence - New Mexico or compact licence eligibility
• Minimum 3 5 years of CVICU clinical nursing experience
• Minimum 2 years of formal leadership or management experience (charge nurse, nurse manager, or supervisor - interim charge roles do not qualify)
• Proficiency in CVICU clinical skills: ECMO, LVAD, Open Heart, Impella, and Balloon Pumps
• Extensive cardiac background - candidates from purely medical ICUs without cardiac exposure will not be considered
• BLS certification - must be obtained within 14 days of hire or transfer into role

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Master's degree in nursing or related field (MSN preferred)
• Certification in a clinical specialty or nursing administration
• Experience with census management and shared-service unit models

Apply now: bookings@ambition24hours.com

Permanent Placement | Confidential