What are the responsibilities and job description for the NICU Director Level III RN position at Purple Cow Recruiting?
Job Title: NICU Director – Level III Registered Nurse (RN)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a visionary and experienced NICU Director to lead and manage our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The NICU Director is responsible for overseeing clinical operations, ensuring quality patient care, managing nursing staff, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. This leadership role requires a strong background in neonatal intensive care, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and compassionate care for critically ill newborns and their families.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Level III NICU
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Ensure delivery of safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for neonates with critical health conditions
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Supervise, mentor, and support nursing and clinical staff; manage hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations
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Collaborate with neonatologists, pediatricians, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes
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Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, and protocols in alignment with hospital standards and regulatory guidelines
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Monitor and manage departmental budgets, resources, and equipment needs
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Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation regulations (e.g., The Joint Commission, CMS)
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Lead quality improvement initiatives and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as infection control, readmissions, and patient satisfaction
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Serve as a liaison between staff, families, and hospital leadership
- Promote ongoing professional development and continuing education for NICU staff
Requirements:
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Current and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Healthcare Administration, or related field strongly preferred
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Minimum of 5 years of clinical nursing experience in a Level III (or higher) NICU setting
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At least 2–3 years of progressive leadership experience (e.g., Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, Clinical Director)
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Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required
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Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred
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Knowledge of neonatal care standards, critical care protocols, and state/national NICU regulations
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Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills
- Proficient in EMR systems and data-driven decision-making
Preferred Qualifications:
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Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC) or Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC or NEA-BC)
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Experience with Magnet-designated hospitals or quality improvement initiatives
- Familiarity with perinatal regionalization and neonatal transport coordination