About this role
Inova Alexandria Hospital is seeking an experienced nursing leader to manage our inpatient critical care units and emergency services.
The Senior Director, Nursing Services is responsible for the development, coordination and evaluation of clinical programs of nursing care, education and research related activities for designated clinical divisions/departments. Responsible for the implementation of system wide initiatives related to nursing and model of care with particular emphasis on continuity of care, the nurse-patient-family relationship/experience and the development of appropriate accountability systems. Works collaboratively with other disciplines and departments to ensure that programs are well planned and that services are fully integrated to ensure a patient-centered, outcome driven approach to care. Is responsible for the appropriate management of human, fiscal and material resources within his or her division. May act on behalf of the CNE in her/his absence and depending on facility. Works collaboratively with respective physician chairpersons, CMO and service line administrators in program development and all departmental initiatives. Participates with senior management in policy development and program planning.
Job Responsibilities:
- Oversees assigned department or functional area to ensure it is performing effectively, which may include but not limited to, preparing and implementing business strategy to achieve the organization’s goals, ensuring legal compliance, communicating and collaborating with stakeholders, managing employment decisions and contributions of supporting team members, and managing departmental budget and fiscal success.
- Serves as primary resource in the development of systems that promote continuity of care and accountability for practice. Seeks every opportunity to further the development of nursing.
- Collaborates with vice presidents and administrators to identify appropriate non-clinical supports for the delivery of safe, effective patient and family care and to ensure that clinicians have available to them the necessary supports to carry out their clinical responsibilities. Assesses environmental needs, including the need for equipment and supplies that support the delivery of safe, effective patient and family care. Works with appropriate colleagues to ensure the availability, accessibility, and effectiveness of such resources.
- Works collaboratively with administrative and clinical colleagues to business plans, clinical programs and services. Accountable for nursing programs of care within the division(s). Supports and carries out the philosophy, goals and objectives of the department as well as the mission of the institution. Implements standards of care and provides direction and consultation to others in developing policies for Inpatient Services/Nursing. Works with Risk Management and the Legal department staff by identifying potential risks and investigating incidents. Takes appropriate corrective action and evaluates effectiveness. Participates in and provides leadership in the development of a programmatic approach to care programs and outcomes management, focusing on clinical outcomes, patient access and throughput, functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, employee engagement, physician satisfaction and financial outcomes.
- Remains aware of current laws governing nursing practice in Virginia and ensure compliance. Maintains an awareness of regulations and laws governing the provision of health care. Participates in regulatory agency reviews and ensures compliance with regulations.
- Prepares and recommends a divisional budget, based on identified goals and statistical data, designed to support the clinical objectives of the Nursing Department. Implements the approved budget for the clinical division and is accountable for monitoring the budget and controlling variances. Develops a master staffing plan for the division. Approves unit-based plans developed by Patient Care Director/Nurse Managers.
- Selects, hires and trains staff according to Inova Health policies and procedures. Determines educational and training needs of staff based on annual assessment of individuals and follows up with an educational plan to meet needs.
Minimum Requirements:
Certification - Certified by a nationally recognized organization such as the ANCC, AONE or ACHE; Must hold at least one nationally recognized certification
Licensure - Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Registered Nurse
Experience - 4 years of progressive nursing Director/Management experience
Education - Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
Preferred Requirements:
Demonstrated responsibility for nursing operations supporting a minimum of 200+ FTEs and/or multi-unit clinical divisions, with direct accountability for staffing, quality, and outcomes.
Experience in critical care and/or emergency services clinical settings
We are Inova, Northern Virginia’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better — to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare.
Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Other facts
About Inova Health System
We are Inova, Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. With expertise and compassion, we partner with our patients to help them stay healthy. We treat illness, heal injury and look at a patient’s whole health to help them flourish. Through our expansive network of hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, emergency and urgent care centers, and outpatient services, Inova provides care for more than 1 million unique patients every year. Total patient visits exceed 4 million annually, demonstrating our ability to deliver the best clinical care and ensuring a seamless experience for all who rely on us for their healthcare needs.
Consistently ranked and recognized as a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience, Inova’s world-class care is made possible by the strength and breadth of our network, our 26,000 team members, our technology and our innovation. In 2025, Inova was named the Health System of the Year by Press Ganey, a national leader in healthcare experience, recognizing our excellence in patient care, team member engagement, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Inova is home to Northern Virginia’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and Level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and provides high-quality healthcare to each person in every community we are privileged to serve – regardless of ability to pay – every day of their life. More information about Inova can be found at www.inova.org.
What you'll do
- The Senior Director of Nursing Services oversees the management of inpatient critical care units and emergency services, ensuring effective performance and integration of nursing programs. This role includes collaboration with various departments to promote patient-centered care and accountability for clinical outcomes.
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