Director, PICU

Director, PICU

Exciting opportunity to join Arkansas Children's Hospital, a distinguished Magnet-designated, Level I Trauma Center and leading Children's Hospital, as the next Director, PICU!

The Position

The Director, PICU will oversee the daily operations of a 26-bed unit, ensuring exceptional patient care while achieving organizational goals. This position will report to the Vice President of Patient Care Services and oversee four direct reports and 150 FTEs. This leader will champion safe staffing practices and foster a high-quality care environment, driving a positive culture shift through the implementation of new processes and structures. They will cultivate a team of strong, engaged nurses, holding them to the highest professional standards. Ideal candidates will have previous director-level PICU experience, though highly experienced managers may also be considered. Must be a highly engaged, high-performing leader with exceptional collaboration and communication skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. Active RN license required. A minimum of seven years of clinical practice experience, including at least five years in a leadership role, is required.

The Community

Nestled along the Arkansas River with the Ouachita Mountains on the horizon, Little Rock blends the warmth of Southern hospitality with the energy of a growing capital city. Here, vibrant neighborhoods buzz with locally owned restaurants, lively music venues, and eclectic boutiques, while the city's cultural heartbeat shines through institutions like the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the historic River Market District. Nature is never far awaymiles of scenic trails, sparkling lakes, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park invite year-round adventures from kayaking to hiking. The Arkansas River Trail offers stunning views whether you're cycling, jogging, or simply enjoying a sunset stroll. With a cost of living well below the national average, Little Rock offers affordable housing, quality schools, and easy commutesplus a regional airport that keeps weekend getaways within reach. Residents enjoy a rich calendar of events, from outdoor concerts and food festivals to seasonal markets and cultural celebrations that make the city feel alive all year long.

The Organization

Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH) is a 336-bed nonprofit pediatric specialty hospital providing comprehensive care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 21. It is the state's only pediatric Level I Trauma Center and includes specialized programs such as a burn center, Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and a nationally recognized pediatric transport service. ACH leads the Arkansas Children's health system, dedicated to the children of the state. This system comprises Arkansas Children's Northwest in Springdale, the Arkansas Children's Research Institute, the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, statewide clinics, outreach and education initiatives, and the Arkansas Children's Foundationcollectively serving more than 850,000 children across Arkansas. The hospital offers nationally ranked services in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery, cancer and blood disorders, neonatal care, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery, and diabetes and endocrinology, as well as care in gastroenterology, infectious disease, rehabilitation, and pediatric surgery. Arkansas Children's Hospital is home to innovative research through the Arkansas Children's Research Institute, which advances discoveries in childhood diseases and conditions. The system's mission is to champion children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow. Recognized with Magnet Status for nursing excellence, nationally ranked in multiple pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report, and home to Gold-Level Beacon Awardwinning critical care units.