<p>A specialty heart hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico is recruiting an experienced Director of Nursing to lead its Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). This is a full-time, permanent leadership role within a facility dedicated exclusively to cardiac and vascular patients — a focused clinical environment that attracts high-performing critical care teams and supports advanced cardiac technology at the bedside. The ideal candidate brings deep CVICU clinical expertise alongside proven nursing leadership and a track record of driving quality, retention, and operational excellence.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>Competitive base compensation commensurate with experience, with bonus eligibility</li> <li>Full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, and additional coverage)</li> <li>Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates</li> <li>Interview travel reimbursement provided</li> <li>Leadership role within a highly engaged, high-performing CVICU team</li> <li>Opportunity to shape clinical operations and culture within a dedicated cardiovascular hospital</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Dedicated specialty heart hospital focused exclusively on cardiac and vascular patients — not a unit within a general acute care system</li> <li>Full-time leadership schedule (40+ hours as needed), with direct accountability for CVICU operations, staffing, and clinical outcomes</li> <li>Advanced cardiac critical care technology in active use, including ECMO, LVAD support, Impella devices, intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and open heart recovery</li> <li>Director maintains bedside clinical competency and provides hands-on support when operationally required</li> <li>Oversight responsibilities span staff scheduling, recruitment, retention, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives</li> <li>Accountable for quality metrics and patient satisfaction programs across the CVICU</li> <li>Strong interdisciplinary model requiring close collaboration with cardiovascular surgeons, cardiologists, and subspecialty physicians</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program required; candidates actively enrolled in an accredited BSN program with a confirmed completion date will be considered</li> <li>Master of Science in Nursing or a related graduate degree preferred</li> <li>Clinical specialty certification (e.g., CCRN) or nursing administration certification (e.g., NE-BC, NEA-BC) preferred</li> <li>Current RN licensure in New Mexico or eligibility via compact/state licensure required</li> <li>Minimum 3–5 years of recent CVICU nursing experience required</li> <li>Minimum 2 years of formal nursing leadership experience required (Nurse Manager, Supervisor, Director, or equivalent)</li> <li>Demonstrated proficiency with ECMO, LVAD, Impella devices, IABP, and open heart recovery required</li> <li>Current BLS certification required (must be obtained within 14 days of hire if not already held)</li> <li>Background check required as a condition of employment per New Mexico state law</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, set at 5,300 feet along the Rio Grande with the Sandia Mountains rising dramatically to the east — offering year-round outdoor recreation including hiking, skiing at Sandia Peak, and world-class cycling. The city combines a low cost of living relative to other major metros with a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary culture, and easy access to Santa Fe, making it an appealing destination for clinicians who want an active lifestyle without sacrificing urban amenities. Albuquerque's strong public and private school options and affordable housing market make it particularly attractive for relocating families.</p>