Associate Director RN Observation

Banner Health; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Banner Health is seeking an Associate Director RN for the M/S-Observation Unit in Tucson to lead a high‑quality clinical team on day shift. The role focuses on patient care leadership, budget stewardship, and cross‑functional collaboration with physicians and management.

You will oversee clinical operations, develop staff leadership, and drive quality and process improvements while maintaining regulatory compliance and patient safety standards.

Qualifications

• BSN or MSN required for all new hires.
• Requires a current RN license in state of practice and BLS certification.
• Must have two years of clinical management experience relevant to patient populations.
• Demonstrates strong critical thinking, communication, influence, and decision‑making skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory agencies, quality requirements, and patient safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Manages and supports the clinical operations of the Observation unit.
• Leads staff through coaching, performance evaluations, and development opportunities.
• Oversees budgeting and resource utilization for the assigned areas.
• Ensures high quality, safe, cost‑effective patient care and clinical excellence.
• Collaborates with physicians and staff to implement care improvements and policy updates.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Nursing management

Budget management

Operational oversight

Communication

Education

BSN/MSN

Job description

Primary City/State:

Tucson, Arizona

Department Name:

M/S-Observation Unit T3-Hosp

Work Shift:

Day

Job Category:

Nursing

Banner Health believes leadership matters, and we look for people who share our vision, making health care easier, so life can be better. Our leaders are at the front of the health care transformation, planning the future of Banner Health.

This role oversees one of two Observation Units at Banner University Medical Center–Tucson. On 4NW observation unit, we strive to provide highly coordinated experience for our patients and consistent care by providing ongoing, short‑term treatment, assessment and reassessment while a decision is being made whether further treatment is needed as a hospital inpatient. Within 48 hours our patients will either be discharged or be admitted to the floor. Observation is a fun and very fast paced environment where nurses and physicians work collaboratively to meet the needs of our patients.

As an Associate Director RN for Observation department, you will be leading a high‑quality team on our day shift with expertise in patient care. Our amazing leaders continually provide leadership in clinical, financial, and personnel as well as active participation in department shared leadership and facility wide committees. As a member of our Observation, you will play a vital role in ensuring our patients receive the best care possible.

Teamwork is STRONG in the departments reporting up through this role, and support be your best self is great. Join us as we improve the lives of the patients, we care for them through outstanding nursing care.

Your pay and benefits are important components of your journey at Banner Health. Banner Health offers a variety of benefits to help you and your family. We provide health and financial security options so you can focus on being the best at what you do and enjoying your life.

Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is nationally recognized for providing exceptional patient care, teaching future health‑care professionals and conducting groundbreaking research. Also located on the campus is Diamond Children’s - recognized for its specialized pediatric services including neonatal and intensive care, emergency medicine and cancer therapies. Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is a Level 1 Trauma Center, meaning we care for the most critically injured patients. The hospital is consistently listed among the nation’s top hospitals in the prestigious Best Hospitals ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The academic medical center has earned Magnet Recognition becoming the only hospital in southern Arizona to meet the rigorous standards of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for nursing excellence. The hospital’s physicians are full‑time faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. Our specialty services include comprehensive heart and cancer care, advanced neuroscience techniques and a multi‑organ transplant program.

Position Summary

This position provides managerial and clinical support to patients and staff. Uses depth and breadth of clinical management knowledge to ensure the provision of high quality, safe, and cost effective patient care. Demonstrates clinical expertise and oversees the leadership of clinical, financial, and personnel management of the assigned areas.

Core Functions

• Manages and facilitates patient centered nursing care for designated patient populations by serving as a real‑time clinical expert for unit staff and physicians for escalated problem‑solving on patients, processes, and family issues. Manages the operations of the unit to ensure smooth and efficient patient care management and resource utilization.


• Leads change by developing, implementing and evaluating quality and process improvement initiatives of the department in conjunction with the director. Seeks and utilizes input from staff and oversees change implementation. Ensures compliance with appropriate regulatory agencies.


• Facilitates communication of system, regional, facility and department initiatives.


• Manages and develops the operational and capital budgets and use of associated resources.


• Assures the development of staff leadership through the design of effective shared leadership models and supports career advancement opportunities. Functions as a role model and encourages staff to participate in their own development.


• Responsible for selection, orientation, on‑boarding, and retention. Demonstrates leadership through coaching, performance evaluations, corrective actions, and development opportunities to create a culture of learning.


• Manages large single unit or multiple clinical units to ensure excellent patient care. Actively develops leadership of entry level nurse manager(s) while leading clinical improvement initiatives. Internal customers include patients, staff, and physicians. External customers include patient family.

Minimum Qualifications

BSN or MSN required for all new hires. BSN required for internal transfers/promotions within 6 months of transfer/promotion.

Requires a current RN license in state of practice. Requires BLS certification.

Must possess a strong knowledge and understanding of clinical care management as normally demonstrated through two years of clinical management experience relevant to patient population. Demonstrates knowledge and skills of specialty area. Requires critical thinking, communication, influence, decision‑making, analytical, and flexibility skills to make optimal decisions based on multiple variables and desired outcomes. Must have the ability to practice skills according to department and professional standards and quality requirements. In LTC setting: Requires familiarity with Alzheimer’s disease and developmental disabilities.

Employees working at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, BTMC Behavioral or BUMG, BUMCT in a Behavioral Health clinical setting that serves children must possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. An Arizona Criminal History Affidavit must be signed upon hire. Employees working at BUMCS in a Behavioral Health clinical setting must possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in nursing preferred.

Additional Related Education And/or Experience Preferred.

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