Director of Nursing Services I
Company : Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Location : Hazard, KY, 41701
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Overview
The Director, Nursing Services is accountable for the overall administration of the department in order to meet the objectives of the hospital through planning, organizing, executing and evaluating the nursing care provided for patients in the hospital.
Responsibilities
Manage the department in an efficient manner by planning, organizing and controlling all activities of the department.
Formulate and implement the objectives of the department in accordance with hospital goals.
Develop, evaluate, implement, interpret and maintain hospital plans and work standards and procedures for the clinical practice of nursing that are in compliance with hospital policies, governmental regulations and various regulatory agency requirements. Serve as a role model for nursing staff by complying with established policies and procedures.
Supervise the implementation of total quality management concepts which are used to determine effectiveness of nursing care delivery systems throughout the hospital.
Participate as a member of the key management hospital team and in hospital strategic planning activities. Interpret the role of nursing for the hospital's strategic plans.
Manage the personnel function by interviewing, selecting, evaluating, disciplining and terminating personnel or recommending such action as necessary. Assure that employees receive orientation and required in-service training, that they maintain required licensure or certification and that pertinent nursing education programs are developed and presented to promote clinical competency and staff development.
Determine staffing needs and patterns and recommend appropriate staffing levels and classifications consistent with unit position authorization.
Administer the Bargaining Agreements at the local level as it pertains to Nursing Service personnel.
Coordinate the activities of various nursing units and establish productive working relationships with the medical staff and support services.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge in the field so they may recommend new services, products and equipment. Continue professional development by attending education programs designed for nursing leaders.
May provide direct patient care when higher levels of skill and judgement are required. Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served.
Adhere to the infection control policies and procedures of the hospital.
Formulate and prepare the departmental budget, routine and special reports and various forms and documents as required.
Take administrative calls when delegated by the Administrator.
Serve on hospital committee and attend meetings, as required.
May work off shifts, weekends and holidays, be on-call and work more than standard hours.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an approved school of nursing and current non-limited licensure in state. Bachelor's degree preferred.
Minimum of five years experience in nursing supervision and/or administration, with formalized training and/or experience in effective management techniques.
Demonstrated leadership and ability to motivate and to work cooperatively with individuals and groups.
POSITION PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess physical ability to endure prolonged sitting; moderate walking; lifting and carrying. May require exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Accountable for assuring the efficient operation of all nursing units in accordance with hospital objectives.
Accountable for establishing and achieving nursing department objectives and goals.
Accountable for providing a climate for professional growth and development through programs of orientation, evaluation, in-service and continuing education.
Accountable for safe, effective patient care in all nursing areas in hospital.
Accountable for supervising the implementation of total quality management concepts in all nursing areas in the hospital.
Accountable for developing and administering the Nursing Department budget.
Accountable for acting as liaison between Nursing Service and other hospital departments.
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Frequently asked questions
In Hazard, KY, this director position directly shapes patient care by overseeing nursing protocols and ensuring compliance with hospital standards. Their leadership is critical in maintaining effective nursing operations that align with Appalachian Regional Healthcare's strategic goals, impacting overall healthcare quality locally.
Strong strategic planning, staff motivation, and regulatory compliance skills are vital. The director must balance administrative duties with clinical oversight, fostering team development while managing budgets and quality initiatives, especially within a hospital environment like Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
Advancement can lead to executive nursing roles such as Chief Nursing Officer or senior healthcare administration positions. Gaining expertise in multi-unit management, healthcare policy, and strategic planning enhances prospects, particularly in integrated regional healthcare systems.
While a current non-limited nursing license is mandatory, additional certifications in nurse leadership or healthcare management, such as NEA-BC or CNML, are highly regarded to meet regional regulatory standards and boost leadership effectiveness.
Hazard's smaller market means fewer openings but also less competition than urban centers like Louisville. Appalachian Regional Healthcare's presence offers stable opportunities, though candidates with strong leadership and local healthcare knowledge stand out more effectively.
Given Hazard's rural setting, longer commutes might be common for some staff. The director may need to consider flexible scheduling or remote coordination to accommodate nursing teams spread across surrounding areas while maintaining efficient departmental oversight.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare emphasizes community-focused leadership, requiring this director to integrate local healthcare needs into nursing strategies, foster cross-department collaboration, and support regional health initiatives beyond standard hospital administration.
This position combines hands-on clinical leadership with robust administrative responsibilities in a regional hospital context, demanding adaptability to rural healthcare challenges and direct involvement in quality management uncommon in larger metropolitan health systems.
Salaries for this role in Hazard usually range between $95,000 and $115,000 per year, influenced by experience and qualifications. This range aligns with regional healthcare director positions, reflecting the balance of clinical oversight and administrative leadership required.
Daily tasks include staffing approvals, resolving clinical issues, budget monitoring, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. This director must also lead departmental meetings and drive initiatives that improve nursing service effectiveness hospital-wide.