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Director Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Camp Health Director/Nurse

Branford, CT · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

The Camp Health Director/Nurse leads day camp health services, including routine care, medication administration oversight, and emergency response. This role maintains a supportive, positive ...

Phaxis

Clinic Director (NP/PA)

Dallas, TX · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

Clinic Director -Nurse Practitioner (NP) / Physician Assistant (PA) Dallas, TX $70-$75/hour + 5% Commission on High-Ticket Treatments We're seeking a confident, relationship-driven NP or PA who ...

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Director Nurse information

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$55.5K

$108.7K

$170.5K

How much do director nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director nurse in the United States is $108,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Director Nurse vs Nurse Manager?

AspectDirector NurseNurse Manager
CredentialsRN license, Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing, leadership experienceRN license, Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing, some leadership experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, hospital or health system leadershipOversees nursing staff, manages daily operations
ResponsibilitiesDevelops policies, manages budgets, oversees multiple unitsSupervises nursing staff, ensures patient care quality
Industry UsageUsed in large hospitals, health systemsCommon in hospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities

The main difference between a Director Nurse and a Nurse Manager lies in scope and responsibilities. A Director Nurse typically handles strategic planning and oversees multiple units or departments, while a Nurse Manager focuses on daily operations and direct supervision of nursing staff. Both roles require RN licensure and relevant experience, but the Director Nurse's role is more leadership and policy-oriented.

Can I make $500,000 as a nurse?

As a nurse, reaching a salary of $500,000 is uncommon and typically requires advanced roles such as nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner, or nurse executive, often with specialized skills, certifications, and extensive experience. Most registered nurses earn significantly less, with salaries varying by location, setting, and level of responsibility.

How to make 200,000 a year as a nurse?

To earn $200,000 annually as a nurse, a Director Nurse or advanced practice nurse typically needs extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Working in high-demand specialties, managing large teams, or holding executive roles can also increase earning potential, often supplemented by overtime, bonuses, or working in high-paying healthcare settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Nurse, you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership experience, and a graduate degree in nursing or healthcare administration, often with RN licensure. Familiarity with healthcare regulations, budgeting systems, and electronic health record (EHR) platforms is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team management abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective oversight of nursing staff, regulatory compliance, and delivery of high-quality patient care within healthcare organizations.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

A Director Nurse can earn $300,000 by gaining extensive experience, pursuing advanced certifications, and taking on leadership roles in large healthcare organizations. Working in high-demand specialties, managing multiple facilities, or earning additional income through consulting or teaching can also increase earnings.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director Nurse in managing large nursing teams?

As a Director Nurse, one of the most common challenges is balancing administrative responsibilities with the need to maintain high-quality patient care. Overseeing large nursing teams often requires strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, and time management, especially when coordinating schedules, implementing policy changes, and resolving staffing issues. Directors must also ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and foster a positive work environment, which can be demanding in fast-paced or high-stress settings. Building strong relationships with both clinical and administrative staff is key to overcoming these challenges and achieving organizational goals.

What does a nurse director do?

A nurse director oversees nursing staff and operations within healthcare facilities, ensuring quality patient care, compliance with regulations, and efficient workflow. They manage budgets, develop policies, and collaborate with other healthcare leaders to improve service delivery.

What are Director Nurses?

Director Nurses, often referred to as Directors of Nursing (DON), are senior-level healthcare professionals responsible for overseeing the nursing staff and operations within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or clinic. They develop and implement nursing policies, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and coordinate patient care activities. Director Nurses also manage budgets, staffing, and training to maintain high standards of patient care. Their leadership is crucial in creating a safe and effective healthcare environment.
More about Director Nurse jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Director Nurse job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nurse jobs? The most popular types of Nurse jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Director Nurse jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Nurse jobs are:
Director Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Nurse job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,675 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Senior Director Nurse Education

Senior Director Nurse Education

Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Houston Methodist rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 296 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 884 rated healthcare providers

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Sr Director Nursing Research, Education, and Practice position is responsible for providing strategic direction and operations that advance the delivery of patient care, education, research, and professional practice, creating a system nursing research team to support all entities with nurses across the system. The Sr Director CNREP position is responsible for improving system oversight of opportunities to utilize innovation, evidence-based practice, and efficiencies in onboarding and training of nursing staff. This position will have system accountability and direct responsibility for the professional practice team at Houston Methodist Hospital, coordinating outreach to schools of nursing and ancillary colleges to better build a pipeline for nursing services workforce and ease transition to practice. The Sr Director CNREP position drives a culture of continuous learning within nursing through periodic needs assessment, development, implementation, evaluation and revision based on outcomes of high-quality, innovative, and timely educational programs that further the leadership and science of nursing for professional and nonprofessional staff and patients. This position leads evidence-based practice initiatives and coordinates nursing research protocols, studies, and outcome dissemination.
The Sr Director position has a direct report to a VP level or above and directs work that has a significant impact on the organization and strategic goals. This position leads or directs key programs; large scope (i.e., system-wide, TMC, or all community hospitals). The scope for the Sr Director position involves setting the strategic vision and administration and has responsibility for multiple budgets (operational and capital) and/or directs work that has significant financial implications including high-level oversight of the activities within the assigned functional area(s), ensuring quality, productivity, functional excellence, and efficiency to accomplish strategic and operational objectives. In addition, the Sr Director position is accountable for employee engagement, adequate staffing levels, budget development and compliance, and developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and effective work environment. This position also ensures training, monitoring and operations initiatives are implemented which secure compliance with ethical and legal business practices and accreditation/regulatory/government regulations. The Sr Director position may serve in lieu of an entity director for the assigned functional area(s). This position may also have direct reports to include director-level employees.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Doctorate in Nursing (PhD or DNA) or related field

EXPERIENCE
  • Seven years of experience in nursing with significant experience in nursing leadership, education, and research, including five years people management experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • RN - Registered Nurse - Texas State Licensure - Texas Board of Nursing_PSV Compact Licensure - Must obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days (if establishing Texas residency) and
  • BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
  • ANCC-recognized Leadership Certification
Preferred
  • ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Instructor (AHA)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially about activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Demonstrates the ability to interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
  • Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individuals involved
  • Possesses strategic vision with the ability to execute at a system level
  • Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills
  • Ability to identify and understand issues, problems and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
  • Extensive knowledge of regulatory and accreditation agency requirements that impact functional area; stays abreast of industry changes
  • Demonstrates highly effective communication skills—strong written communications and platform presentation abilities
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
  • Capable of leading teams/facilitating groups, building consensus and garnering highest confidence in professionalism and work product by senior leadership
  • Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities; highly responsive and solution/action oriented
  • Proficiency in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
  • Maintains a positive and supportive attitude and demeanor
  • Professional handling of exposure to confidential/sensitive information
  • Demonstrates proficient use of Instructional technology
  • Expertise in curriculum development and evaluation
  • Expertise in publishing research findings

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Sets the strategic vision and administration and is responsible for multiple budgets (operational and capital) and/or directs work that has significant financial implications including high-level oversight of the activities within the assigned functional area(s), ensuring quality, productivity, functional excellence, and efficiency to accomplish strategic and operational objectives.
  • Directs, develops, and implements strategic and operational/high-level projects and processes through independent/highly autonomous work or through the facilitation of work teams to enable the effective and efficient completion of objectives.
  • Oversees and ensures development for staff to meet overall objectives in terms of quality, service, and cost effectiveness. Provides timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem. Provides a functional area oversight guidance and directs management responsibilities of selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees.
  • Reviews metrics for the function on a holistic basis. Meets or exceeds threshold goal for department turnover and/or system metrics on employee engagement indicators.
  • Provides leadership and communication to maintain a competent and engaged employee group by conducting function leadership meetings to review policies and procedures and operational matters, rounding on all direct reports, completing performance appraisals, conducting new hire feedback sessions, coaching/corrective counseling, and providing recognition/commendations to achieve desired outcomes. Ensures information pertinent to function operations cascades appropriately to each entity.
  • Identifies opportunities and takes action to build strategic relationships between one’s functional area and other areas, teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals. Drives the promotion of teamwork within and between entities and departments; participates and/or leads system function process improvements as needed.
  • Collaborates with system chief nurses (CNOs), associate chief nurses (ACNOs), nurse education directors to identify educational needs and implement training solutions.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Oversees functional area department operations, designated projects, schedules, and activities as needed to ensure that system goals or objectives are accomplished within the prescribed time frame. Sets priorities and functional standards, giving direction to function leadership and staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer/patient satisfaction.
  • Drives department service standards and activities to impact department and/or system score for patient/customer-based satisfaction, through role modeling and fostering accountability. Serves and actively participates on various entity committees as a voice for the functional area.
  • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of nurse training programs. Evaluation includes trending achievement of goals and analysis of rationale for any variances noted. Develops and sustains programs to mentor nursing staff in research methodologies, data analysis, and publication.
  • Coordinates outreach to schools of nursing and ancillary colleges to better build a pipeline for nursing services workforce and ease transition to practice.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Ensures a safe and effective working environment; monitors and/or revises the department safety plan and/or any specific accreditation/regulatory required safety guidelines. Responsible for ensuring leaders in the functional area stay abreast of staff maintenance of credentials and competencies, per accrediting/licensing agency and/or department guidelines as applicable.
  • Establishes and maintains a functional area alignment of policies, processes, and goals. Employs a proactive approach in the optimization of safe outcomes and information systems by monitoring and improving the system-wide workflow and enhancing operations, using peer-to-peer accountability and identifying solutions via collaboration. Designs and implements functional area process improvements utilizing tools such as lean principles. Role models situational awareness, using teachable moments to improve safety.
  • Responsible for ensuring leaders in the functional area stay abreast of employee compliance to policies and procedures and perform associated actions upon non-compliance (i.e., licensure/certification compliance, focal point review requirements, disaster plan, in-services, influenza immunization, wage and hour, standard hours, timely termination submission, timely timecard approval, etc.).
  • Creates and maintains a system nursing research team to support all entities with nurses across the system. Ensures system nursing staff adherence to best practices and evidence-based guidelines.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provides input on the development and management of operational and capital budgets, approvals, and ongoing maintenance of the department(s), ensuring operation in a cost-effective manner. Proactively identifies and plans for capital needs related to current equipment and future system projects. Ensures staffing plans and schedules meet system needs that reflect understanding of the importance of cost-effectiveness.
  • Creates functional area strategies to achieve financial target and staffing needs, through optimizing productivity, supply/resource efficiency, minimizing incidental overtime and overtime percentage, and other areas according to functional area specifications.
  • Performs vendor management functions and oversees contract negotiation, contract development, and conformance to contract procedures and evaluation of expenditures.
  • Secures funding for research projects through grants and institutional support.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Identifies, designs, and ensures implementation of innovative solutions for the functional area. Proactively participates in task forces and committees. May represent HM at assigned community or professional organization meetings.
  • Drives change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures. Partners effectively with stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis. Conducts conversations with direct reports on their development and MDP.
  • Stays updated with advancements in nursing education, innovation, and practice, including healthcare trends. Identifies and implements innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department, entity or system operations by leading unit projects and/or other department/system-directed activities.
  • Disseminates research findings through publications, conferences, and professional presentations. Develops and leads research initiatives focused on nursing practice and patient care improvements.
  • Develops partnerships with academic institutions for training and internship opportunities for nurses and patient care assistant research initiatives focused on nursing practice and patient care improvements.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
    WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: No
    • Business professional: Yes
    • Other (department approved): No

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  • Doctorate in Nursing (PhD or DNA) or related field

EXPERIENCE
  • Seven years of experience in nursing with significant experience in nursing leadership, education, and research, including five years people management experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required
  • RN - Registered

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