Executive Director of Nursing - Critical Care Services (RN)

Executive Director of Nursing – Critical Care Services (RN)

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Employment Type: Full-Time

Base Salary: $130,000-$185,000 annually

We are recruiting an experienced Executive Director of Nursing to provide clinical and operational leadership for critical care patient services within a hospital environment in Baltimore. This is a senior nursing leadership position requiring an accomplished Registered Nurse with significant critical care and people-management experience.

The Executive Director will combine strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight, with responsibility for patient outcomes, nursing leadership, workforce development, regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, quality improvement, and efficient resource allocation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute patient care strategies aligned with organizational goals and clinical priorities.
• Provide executive oversight of critical care nursing operations, quality, safety, patient flow, and nursing productivity.
• Partner with nursing, physician, operational, and administrative leaders to strengthen care delivery and clinical outcomes.
• Lead recruitment, retention, mentoring, performance management, and professional development initiatives for nursing leaders and staff.
• Promote professional governance and meaningful frontline nurse participation in clinical decision-making.
• Develop and manage operating budgets while ensuring effective staffing and resource utilization.
• Use clinical, operational, financial, and patient-experience data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead quality-improvement and patient-safety initiatives while maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Build strong physician partnerships and foster collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a current Maryland RN license or eligibility to obtain Maryland licensure.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required.
• Current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• At least 7 years of progressive nursing leadership experience.
• Clinical nursing experience in critical care.
• Manager- or director-level leadership experience within a complex critical care service line.
• Strong knowledge of patient safety, clinical operations, regulatory standards, staffing, and performance improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective physician relationships and multidisciplinary partnerships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
• Strong experience with professional nursing governance and frontline nurse engagement.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time leadership position based in Baltimore. Office space is available, with an occasional remote workday possible when scheduling and operational needs allow.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary range is $130,000-$185,000 annually. The position includes a full benefits package with medical coverage, retirement benefits including a 403(b) plan and pension, tuition reimbursement, paid/open time off for leaders, employee parking, and professional growth opportunities. Relocation assistance may be available for an ideal candidate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Avento Health recruits and considers qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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