Job Summary

The Director, Emergency Services will oversee all clinical, operational, and administrative aspects of the Emergency Department (ED) in Las Cruces, NM. Reporting to hospital administration, you will provide strategic leadership, manage budgets and staffing, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive quality improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate has at least 7 years of progressive emergency department leadership experience, exceptional clinical judgment, and strong interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership:
  • Direct day-to-day ED operations, including patient flow, triage processes, and resource allocation to optimize throughput and minimize wait times.
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures, protocols, and policies to enhance efficiency and patient safety.
• Staff Management & Development:
  • Recruit, hire, orient, and mentor a multidisciplinary emergency services team (nurses, physicians, paramedics, techs, support staff).
  • Oversee performance evaluations, develop continuing education programs, and facilitate competency assessments.
• Clinical Oversight & Quality Improvement:
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as door-to-provider times, LWBS (left without being seen) rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
  • Lead root-cause analyses for sentinel events, adverse outcomes, and near-misses; implement corrective and preventive action plans.
• Budget & Financial Management:
  • Develop and manage the ED budget, including staffing costs, supply procurement, and capital expenditures.
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining clinical excellence and patient-centered care.
• Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation:
  • Ensure the department adheres to Joint Commission standards, CMS requirements, state health regulations, and OSHA guidelines.
  • Coordinate and prepare for accreditation surveys, licensure inspections, and safety audits.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with nursing leadership, medical staff, ancillary departments (radiology, lab, transport), and community EMS providers to streamline patient handoffs and care transitions.
  • Serve as liaison to executive leadership and medical staff committees.
• Patient & Family Advocacy:
  • Ensure patients and families receive timely communication, education, and support during emergency visits and admissions.
  • Address escalated patient concerns, implement service recovery protocols, and promote patient-centered culture.

Qualifications

• Education & Licensure:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), Healthcare Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree (MSN, MHA, or MBA) preferred.
  • Current RN license (if nursing background) and/or relevant healthcare leadership licensure.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive emergency department experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
  • Proven track record managing high-volume ED operations, staffing, and budgets.
• Clinical & Operational Expertise:
  • In-depth knowledge of ED workflows, triage systems, clinical protocols (e.g., ACLS, trauma triage), and EMR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner).
  • Strong understanding of performance improvement methodologies and data-driven decision-making.
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills under pressure.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  • Thorough familiarity with Joint Commission standards, CMS Conditions of Participation, state nursing regulations, and OSHA guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing Administration, Healthcare Leadership, or Business Administration.
• Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Nurse Executive (NE-BC), or Lean/Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with budget forecasting, revenue cycle management, and capital project planning.
• Background in rural or community hospital settings and familiarity with local EMS systems.

Why Join Us

• Leadership Impact: Shape the future of emergency care delivery in a growing regional hospital.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and support staff committed to excellence and innovation.
• Professional Development: Access resources for continuing education, leadership training, and specialty certifications.
• Competitive Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; generous paid time off; and tuition reimbursement.
• Community Engagement: Serve a diverse population in Las Cruces, NM, with opportunities for community outreach and partnerships with local EMS agencies.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a concise cover letter via the job board’s “Apply” button. In your cover letter, please highlight:

1. Your emergency department leadership background and operational achievements.
2. Examples of quality improvement or performance initiatives you have led.
3. Any relevant certifications (CEN, NE-BC, Lean/Six Sigma) or advanced degrees.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial phone interview, followed by on-site meetings with hospital leadership and medical staff.