<p>A full-time, exempt Nurse Manager opportunity is open for the Medical Surgical Unit (MSU) at an acute care facility in Grand Junction, Colorado. This onsite leadership role carries full operational accountability for the unit — staffing, quality, regulatory readiness, staff development, and budget — within a facility that actively pursues Pathway to Excellence® designation. The compensation range of $53.00–$60.95 per hour, combined with relocation assistance and a robust benefits package, positions this role competitively for an experienced MSU leader ready to step into a high-visibility position in one of Colorado's most livable mid-sized cities.</p>
<h3>Perks and Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>Hourly rate of $53.00–$60.95, commensurate with experience and education level</li> <li>Merit increases and market adjustments built into the compensation structure</li> <li>Recognition program and discretionary bonus opportunities</li> <li>Relocation assistance available; amount varies based on distance and individual circumstances — candidates must be onsite before start date</li> <li>403(b) retirement plan with employer match</li> <li>Medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance included</li> <li>Paid time off and employee wellness program</li> <li>Education assistance to support advanced degree or certification pursuit</li> <li>Free on-site parking</li> </ul>
<h3>Practice Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Full operational leadership of the Medical Surgical Unit — daily operations, staffing schedules, workforce productivity, and resource management</li> <li>Accountability for quality indicators and performance improvement initiatives across the unit</li> <li>Participates in the inpatient nursing leadership on-call rotation, sharing after-hours coverage responsibility with peer managers</li> <li>Provides direct patient care support during staffing shortages or high-census periods, maintaining clinical presence on the floor</li> <li>Leads staff mentorship, coaching, performance evaluations, competency management, and continuing education efforts</li> <li>Collaborates directly with Nursing Leadership and Human Resources on recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategy</li> <li>Maintains unit readiness for Joint Commission, CMS, and other regulatory surveys</li> <li>Supports and advances Pathway to Excellence® culture and healthy work environment initiatives</li> <li>Partners with nursing leadership on budget planning and fiscal stewardship of unit resources</li> </ul>
<h3>Qualifications</h3> <ul> <li>Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred</li> <li>Current, unrestricted Colorado RN license required at time of hire</li> <li>Minimum of 3 years of nursing leadership experience in a Medical Surgical Unit or comparable acute care setting</li> <li>Current BLS and ACLS certifications required</li> <li>CCRN, PCCN, or other high-acuity nursing certification preferred</li> <li>PALS certification required within 6 months of hire</li> <li>TNCC or TCAR certification required within 6 months of hire</li> <li>Nurse Executive Board Certification (NE-BC) required within 3 years of hire or upon eligibility</li> </ul>
<h3>About the Community</h3> <p>Grand Junction sits at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers on Colorado's Western Slope — a region defined by dramatic canyon country, world-class mountain biking on the Kokopelli and Lunch Loop trail systems, skiing at Powderhorn, and easy access to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks just across the Utah border. The city offers a low cost of living relative to Colorado's Front Range metros, strong public and private school options, and a genuine small-city feel with a growing arts and dining scene. For clinicians seeking outdoor lifestyle, affordable housing, and meaningful community impact without the congestion of Denver or Boulder, Grand Junction is a compelling destination.</p>