Position Summary

Garden County Health Services is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and compassionate Director of Nursing (DON) for the Hospital and Emergency Department to provide clinical and operational leadership for our hospital team. The DON is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of patient care, regulatory compliance, staff development, and departmental performance. This leader will work collaboratively with physicians, providers, and hospital leadership to maintain a culture of excellence, safety, and patient-centered care.

The ideal candidate is a strong nursing leader with emergency care experience who is committed to fostering a positive work environment while driving quality outcomes and operational success.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership, supervision, and support to Emergency Department nursing personnel.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and patient-centered care.
• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and retain qualified nursing staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain effective communication between nursing staff, providers, ancillary departments, and administration.

Clinical Oversight

• Ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality emergency nursing care.
• Establish and maintain clinical standards, policies, and procedures that align with evidence-based practices.
• Monitor patient outcomes and implement quality improvement initiatives as needed.
• Participate in the investigation and resolution of patient care concerns and incidents.
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient outcomes and hospital performance.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain readiness for surveys and inspections by accrediting and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee infection prevention, patient safety, and quality assurance initiatives related to emergency services.
• Ensure nursing documentation meets regulatory and hospital standards.

Operations & Staffing

• Develop staffing plans and schedules to ensure appropriate patient coverage.
• Monitor productivity and staffing efficiency while maintaining quality care standards.
• Manage departmental workflows to improve patient throughput and service delivery.
• Participate in emergency preparedness planning and response activities.

Financial & Strategic Responsibilities

• Assist with departmental budgeting and resource management.
• Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost-effective operations.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives that support the growth and success of emergency services at GCHS.
• Evaluate equipment, technology, and supply needs to support quality patient care.

Qualifications

Required

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Minimum of three (3) years of Emergency Department nursing experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of nursing leadership or management experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of emergency nursing standards, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Master's Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Previous Director of Nursing, Emergency Department Manager, or supervisory leadership experience.
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC), or other relevant professional certifications.
• Experience in a Critical Access Hospital or rural healthcare setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to lead and motivate healthcare teams.
• Strong clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Working knowledge of electronic health record systems and healthcare technology.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the hospital as needed.
• Ability to respond promptly during emergency situations.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and supplies in accordance with hospital safety guidelines.

Why GCHS?

At GCHS, we are committed to providing exceptional healthcare to our community through compassion, teamwork, and excellence. The Director of Nursing plays a vital role in ensuring our Emergency Department continues to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care while supporting and developing a dedicated team of healthcare professionals.

We take care of our team so they can take care of others. Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan (eligible after 6 months)
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• A supportive, collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued

Join GCHS and help lead the future of emergency care in our community.