Director, Patient Care Service - Critical Care

900 Emory Healthcare; Warner Robins (GA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Emory Healthcare in Georgia seeks a Director of Patient Care Services to lead clinical operations, drive quality and safety, and partner with ACNOs and the VP of Nursing to meet performance goals. The role oversees budgets, growth initiatives, and standardized practices across units.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s in Nursing (or an equivalent Master’s with a BSN), RN licensure in GA, and leadership credentials (NE-BC/NEA-BC or CNML/CENP).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in nursing required, or Master’s in another discipline with a BSN.
• Valid RN license in Georgia; active multi/state license if virtual care.
• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC/NEA-BC) or CNML/CENP within 1 year.
• BLS required; ACLS may be necessary depending on specialty area.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of strategic growth and operating objectives for the service.
• Collaborate with ACNOs, physicians, and nursing staff to align goals with the mission and vision.
• Utilize analytics to forecast growth, financial impact, and service direction.
• Oversee workflows to optimize patient care and service efficiency.
• Ensure budget adherence and resource optimization across units.
• Foster engagement, coaching, and professional growth while promoting inclusivity.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data-driven analytics

Communication

Quality improvement

Financial management

Regulatory compliance

Patient-centered care

Education

Master’s degree in Nursing

MS in Athletic Training (for orthopedic areas)

Job description

Work Shift: Day - 8 Hour (United States of America)

Reporting directly to the Chief Nursing Officer/VP Patient Care Services or the Associate Chief Nursing Officer of a specific Emory Healthcare Operating Unit or PGP practice area, the Director, Patient Care Service will lead and manage clinical operations and initiatives to achieve productivity, quality, safety, and satisfaction performance goals. This role requires collaboration with Emory Healthcare operating entity ACNOs, the VP of Nursing, and key Medical Directors to develop, implement, and evaluate nursing operational plans, objectives, and standards. The Director will also be accountable for budget oversight, resource allocation, and strategic growth initiatives to ensure high-quality, cost-effective patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning:

• 1. Lead the development and execution of strategic growth and operational objectives for the service.
• 2. Collaborate with entity ACNOs, physicians, and nursing staff to align goals with Emory Healthcare’s mission and vision.
• 3. Utilize data-driven analytics to project growth, financial impact, and service vision.
• 4. Develop programs to enhance value-based services and regulatory compliance.

Clinical & Operational Oversight:

• 1. Oversee clinical and operational workflows to optimize patient care and service efficiency.
• 2. Ensure cost-effective resource utilization and monitor functional unit nursing budgets.
• 3. Standardize policies, procedures, orientation, training programs, and clinical competencies across the health system.
• 4. Foster collaboration between entities to maintain accreditation, certification, and high-performance recognition.

Quality, Safety & Compliance:

• 1. Engage with the Office of Quality to lead service quality committees and initiatives.
• 2. Implement evidence-based practice strategies to enhance patient safety and risk management.
• 3. Monitor quality metrics to improve outcomes and avoid financial disincentives.
• 4. Promote participation in research and integrate findings to improve clinical practice.

Team Development & Engagement:

• 1. Develop and maintain a culture of engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
• 2. Promote a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the community served.
• 3. Support staff development through coaching, mentorship, and competency assessments.
• 4. Ensure a healthy work environment that encourages collaboration and high morale.

Financial & Resource Management:

• 1. Plan and execute financial strategies to meet budgetary and operational goals.
• 2. Advocate for optimal resource allocation to enhance patient care services.
• 3. Drive efficiency improvements while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education:

• 1. Nursing: Master’s degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing required OR Master’s degree in another discipline acceptable if candidate holds Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• 2. Orthopedic areas (non-nursing): Master of Science as an Athletic Trainer required

Experience:

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

Licensure:

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

Certifications:

• 1. Nursing: Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC, NEA-BC) or comparable certifications (CNML or CENP) must be obtained within one (1) year of entry into role
• 2. All: 1. BLS required 2. ACLS certification may be necessary depending on specialty area, post hire

Skills:

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

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 1. Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible senior nursing leadership experience.
• 2. Experience working in a Magnet hospital or on a Magnet journey preferred.

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

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.

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 [e-mail].

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 FTE: 1 Expanded Work Shift: On Call.