Director of Nursing(RN) – Cardiovascular ICU

Director of Nursing – CVICU / Cardiovascular Critical Care Leadership (Heart Hospital)

Location: Albuquerque, NMSalary: $130,000 - $150,000 + bonus eligibilityShift: Day Shift | Full-Time

What’s In It for You?

• People-first culture focused on employee well-being, inclusion, and support• Strong leadership development pathways and career growth opportunities• Advanced clinical environment with high-acuity cardiovascular specialty care• Exposure to complex cardiac procedures including ECMO, LVAD, Impella, open heart, and balloon pump cases• Collaborative physician partnerships across cardiothoracic and interventional service lines• High-performing nursing team with strong engagement and quality outcomes• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and wellness programs• Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates• Bonus eligibility based on performance

Overview

Join a high-acuity cardiovascular critical care environment as the Director of Nursing for CVICU. This role provides 24-hour leadership accountability for nursing operations, clinical quality, staffing, and employee engagement within a specialized cardiac care unit. The position plays a key role in driving patient outcomes, nurse development, and operational excellence within a nationally recognized heart-focused facility.

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide 24/7 leadership and oversight for CVICU nursing operations• Lead staffing, scheduling, recruitment, and retention initiatives• Ensure high-quality patient care and compliance with clinical standards• Oversee quality metrics, chart audits, and patient satisfaction initiatives• Partner with physicians and cardiothoracic teams to coordinate care delivery• Support nurse development, mentorship, and performance management• Manage operational workflows including staffing coverage and timekeeping• Participate in leadership meetings and cross-functional hospital initiatives• Address census variability and support operational efficiency improvements• Drive continuous improvement in patient outcomes and team engagement

What You Will Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN required; MSN preferred)• Active RN license in New Mexico or eligible compact state license• Minimum 3–5 years of CVICU clinical experience• At least 2 years of nursing leadership experience (manager-level or higher)• Strong background in cardiovascular critical care nursing• Ability to work in high-acuity environments and support bedside care when needed• Experience with ECMO, LVAD, Impella, open heart, and balloon pump cases preferred• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills• Proven ability to manage staffing, quality, and operational performance

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role is best suited for a clinically strong CVICU nursing leader who can balance operational management with hands-on critical care expertise, while driving team performance, quality outcomes, and physician collaboration in a complex cardiac specialty environment.