Director- Nursing Services at Mission Cancer + Blood

Mission Cancer + Blood part of University of Iowa Health Care is Iowa’s largest community oncology practice dedicated to exceptional patient care and cutting-edge research. As a recognized leader in the oncology & hematology industry, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that empowers our team to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients.

The Director-Nursing Services oversees the quality and efficiency of patient care. The role is an administrative position that involves maintaining standards of care, monitoring staff, and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provides administrative oversight of all nursing functions and all direct-report departments across the oncology practice, ensuring consistent leadership presence, clear direction, and strong operational support for frontline staff.
• Actively supports and advocates for nursing staff by removing barriers, ensuring safe staffing practices, promoting professional development, and fostering a culture where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered.
• Promotes efficient, respectful, and transparent communication across all levels of the organization. Encourages teamwork, healthy conflict resolution, and a culture of psychological safety.
• Collaborates closely with pharmacy, laboratory services, patient access, care coordination, and administrative leadership to optimize workflows, improve patient throughput, and ensure seamless oncology care delivery.
• Improves patient care efficiency by identifying operational gaps and implementing evidence-based strategies that support both staff and patient experience.
• Oversees budgeting, staffing models, and resource allocation for all clinical nursing departments, ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Develops oncology-specific departmental performance metrics and conducts audits to ensure high-quality, consistent, and compliant patient care.
• Ensures full compliance with governmental regulations, Joint Commission standards, oncology nursing best practices, chemotherapy/immunotherapy safety standards, and relevant accreditation requirements.
• Leads the implementation of healthcare quality initiatives and coordinates rollout of new oncology care strategies, technologies, clinical pathways, and treatment protocols.
• Ensures patient care standards through structured quality improvement programs, competency assessments, and ongoing staff training and education.
• Evaluates and assists in the implementation of new medical technologies that support staff workflows, enhance patient care, and improve clinical outcomes.
• Designs and implements effective oncology nursing retention strategies, with a focus on staff engagement, mentorship, onboarding, and recognition.
• Oversees performance evaluations, staff coaching, corrective action processes, and ongoing professional development for all nursing personnel.
• Addresses issues involving personnel, providers, patients, families, and interdepartmental partners with professionalism and compassion.
• Fosters a culture of high-quality, mission-driven oncology care, emphasizing teamwork, integrity, transparency, and joy in daily practice.
• Coordinates, leads and supports nursing meetings and other forums to ensure alignment and communication across departments.

Time Administration

• Manages multiple concurrent projects within required timeframes.
• Organizes time effectively and prioritizes competing responsibilities within a busy oncology setting.

Problem-solving

• Identifies and addresses barriers to high-quality oncology care and develops effective solutions.

Manipulation of data

• Possesses advanced computational and analytical skills to analyze clinical and operational data and create reports.

Risk Management

• Ensures regulatory compliance with state and federal standards, Joint Commission requirements, and oncology nursing best practices.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of legal obligations and safety standards relevant to nursing and oncology care.

Qualifications

Performance Requirements:

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• An innovative and open-minded perspective.
• Strong leadership abilities and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Dedication to learning and continuous improvement.
• Ability to make difficult decisions using sound judgment.
• Multitasking skills without sacrificing attention to detail.
• Flexibility and focus while under pressure.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position

Education Requirements:

• Candidates may hold an MBA or MHA, provided they maintain an active BSN license.
• Must have a minimum of 10 years of experience as a Registered Nurse
• Must have at least 5 years of nursing management/healthcare leadership experience.
• Certifications: OCN Certification, preferred.