Job Description

Director, Nursing, NICU
Full Time I First Shift
BHLEX-Lex 5A NICU I Lexington

Unit Overview:
5A NICU is a 32-bed private room NICU caring for High-Risk neonates from 28 weeks to full-term.

The Director of Nursing is a key nurse leader responsible for the overall management and 24/7 accountability of one or more hospital units, such as Critical Care, Emergency Services, Maternal and Child Care, Medical/Surgical, or Ambulatory Care. This role oversees staffing, recruitment and retention, performance evaluations, competency development, budgeting, and the delivery of high-quality, culturally sensitive, evidence-based care.

The Director collaborates with hospital leadership, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to develop policies, patient care programs, and performance improvement initiatives. They promote excellence in nursing practice, staff engagement, and patient outcomes while serving as a role model of compassion, integrity, and professionalism. Depending on scope, the Director ensures safe and consistent nursing practice across both inpatient and ambulatory settings and throughout transitions of care.

The Director will lead with vision and collaboration, driving excellence in nursing practice and patient outcomes through:

• Talent Leadership & Staffing
  • Guides recruitment, retention, onboarding, and professional development of unit staff.
  • Supports staff engagement, teamwork, and shared governance.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, provides feedback, coaching, and promotes growth.
• Operational & Resource Management
  • Manages departmental budgets, productivity, staffing levels, and resources.
  • Ensures appropriate staffing based on skill mix, competency0, patient acuity, and census.
• Quality & Patient Care Excellence
  • Ensures safe, high-quality nursing care aligned with policies, regulations, and standards.
  • Implements and supports evidence-based practice and culturally sensitive care.
  • Monitors patient outcomes and leads continuous quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives.
• Compliance & Professional Standards
  • Ensures staff compliance with education, certifications, licensure, and employee health requirements.
  • Upholds organizational policies, confidentiality, and professional standards of conduct.
• Strategic Leadership & Collaboration
  • Partners with hospital leadership, medical staff, and interdisciplinary teams to develop policies, care programs, and initiatives.
  • Communicate effectively with staff and respond promptly to patient or staff concerns.
  • Demonstrates professionalism, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

The Director of Nursing serves as a role model for compassion, respect, acceptance, and empathy, upholding nursing as a distinct and vital discipline. This leader inspires a culture of healing, wellness, and professional accountability across inpatient and ambulatory settings, ensuring seamless transitions of care throughout the continuum.

Minimum Education, Experience, Training and Licensure Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Registered Nurse license in Kentucky
• 5 years of experience as a staff nurse
• 3 years of management experience

Benefits:

• Health, Vision, Dental and Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $6,000 annually
• Company paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• 5 days of Paid Time Off available upon hire
• Bereavement Leave (includes pets)
• PTO Sell Back Program
• Compassionate Leave Sharing Program (PTO Donation)
• Employee Support Fund, for employees in need of emergency financial support
• Retirement with Company Match

Work Experience

Education

If you would like to be part of a growing family focused on supporting clinical excellence, teamwork and innovation, we urge you to apply now!

Baptist Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.