Executive Director, Intensive Care Unit/Medical Surgical Unit - Palo Alto Hospital

Come grow with us!

At University Health, we are building a healthier future through our new community hospitals. We are seeking a high-impact nursing executive with deep ICU leadership experience who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is ready to make a lasting difference in patient care outcomes.

University Health Palo Alto Campus

University Health Palo Alto Hospital will feature a 24/7 Emergency Department, Labor & Delivery, NICU/Nursery, and advanced inpatient services, including high-acuity Intensive Care Units and Medical Surgical Units.

Opening in 2026–2027, this state-of-the-art hospital will launch with 166 beds, expanding to 286 beds to meet the growing needs of our community. A connected 100,000-square-foot medical office building will provide access to a wide range of specialty care.

University Health – Leading the Way

For more than 100 years, University Health has led with purpose—advancing care, innovation, and education. As the primary teaching hospital for UT Health San Antonio and the only Level I Trauma Center in South Texas, we are committed to delivering exceptional care to all we serve.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Nursing Officer, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of approximately 120 beds across ICU and Medical Surgical services, with a primary emphasis on high-acuity critical care environments.

This role requires a seasoned ICU leader who can drive clinical excellence, optimize patient outcomes, and lead multidisciplinary teams in a complex, fast-paced hospital setting.

Key Responsibilities:

- Provide executive leadership and oversight for Intensive Care Units and Medical Surgical units

- Lead and mentor nursing leadership teams with a strong focus on ICU clinical standards and patient safety

- Drive quality, safety, and performance improvement initiatives (QAPI)

- Ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and Magnet standards

- Collaborate with physicians and executive leadership to advance critical care services

- Represent University Health in regional and national forums

Education & Experience Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree required (or active enrollment)

- Current RN license in the State of Texas required

- National certification required (CCRN strongly preferred)

Experience:

- 8–10 years of progressive nursing experience required

- Minimum of 2+ years in a leadership role

- REQUIRED: Significant ICU/critical care leadership experience

- Experience in a community hospital preferred

Licensure/Certification

- Current RN license in Texas required

Total Rewards

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- Paid Time Off

- Retirement Plans

- Prescription Drug Coverage

- Flexible Spending Accounts

- Pet Insurance

Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of critical care delivery at a brand-new hospital while making a meaningful impact in the San Antonio community.

Apply today and lead the next generation of ICU excellence at University Health.