Director | Department of Nursing Practice

• Location: On‑site | La Crosse, WI

• Reports to: Chief Nursing Officer

Position Summary

In collaboration with the Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer and other senior leaders, the Director of Nursing Practice provides strategic leadership and administrative direction for nursing practice across Emplify Health by Gundersen. This role is responsible for evaluating, developing, recommending, and supporting the implementation of a comprehensive Nursing Practice Model and Patient Care Delivery Model that ensures safe, patient- and family‑centered, evidence‑based, culturally competent, age‑appropriate, and high‑quality care across the continuum.

The Director ensures nursing practice is standardized and aligned with professional nursing standards, regulatory requirements, and applicable state and legal statutes. This leader fosters an interdisciplinary approach to care delivery and empowers nursing staff to practice at the highest level within their defined scope, supporting consistency, quality, and excellence system‑wide.

Leadership Scope & Reporting Structure

• Directly oversees three Nurse Managers:

  • Ambulatory Nursing

  • Procedural Nursing

  • Inpatient Nursing

• Indirect leadership of approximately 75 nursing team members, including:

  • Professional Development Nurses (PDNs)

  • Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs)

  • Senior Office Assistants (SOAs)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing practice across care settings

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing practice standards and models

• Champion quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient outcomes and clinical excellence

• Guide professional development, onboarding, orientation, and education of nursing staff

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and professional nursing standards

• Partner with interdisciplinary leaders to support integrated, patient‑centered care

• Promote a culture of evidence‑based practice, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Serve as a clinical and professional nursing resource to leaders and staff across the system

Education & Learning

• Required: Master’s degree in a related field

• Preferred: Master’s degree in a field related to leadership or a clinical specialty

Work Experience

• Required: 3–4 years of experience in a healthcare management or leadership position

• Preferred: Prior management experience within an integrated healthcare system; Experience as a nurse educator and/or in quality improvement, including developing, leading, guiding, orienting, and educating clinical teams

Licensure & Certifications

• Required: Registered Nurse (RN) licensed to practice in the state of Wisconsin; Current Infant–Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers with hands‑on learning through American Heart Association or American Red Cross

• Preferred: Certification in nursing leadership or a clinical specialty

Why Emplify Health by Gundersen

At Emplify Health by Gundersen, nursing leaders play a critical role in shaping practice, advancing quality, and ensuring exceptional patient experiences across the care continuum. This position offers the opportunity to influence system‑wide nursing practice, mentor developing leaders, and drive meaningful clinical and operational outcomes in a highly collaborative environment.