Description:
Job Title: Director of Nursing (DON)
Job Type: Full-Time
Reports To: SVP, Operations
Job Summary:
The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for overseeing all nursing operations within the facility. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based nursing care to patients undergoing detoxification, addiction and/or mental health treatment. The DON will provide leadership, develop policies, maintain compliance with healthcare regulations, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Administration
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Oversee all nursing staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
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Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and best practices in line with state and federal regulations.
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Ensure compliance with Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, and state health department standards.
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Work closely with the Medical Director, Clinical Director, and Executive Leadership to create and maintain a safe, patient-centered environment.
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Monitor and manage staffing ratios to ensure proper coverage and quality care.
Clinical Operations & Patient Care
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Ensure best practices in detox protocols, medication management, withdrawal management, and addiction recovery care.
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Supervise and support nursing interventions for patients with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and medical complications related to addiction.
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Maintain infection control and patient safety protocols in both detox and rehab settings.
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Oversee the administration of medications, including MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) programs such as Suboxone and Vivitrol.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
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Monitor and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in accordance with HIPAA and facility standards.
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Conduct quality assurance audits, incident investigations, and risk assessments.
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Address and resolve patient complaints and concerns related to nursing care.
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Stay up to date with state and federal addiction treatment regulations and ensure the facility meets all requirements.
Education & Staff Development
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Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
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Implement staff wellness initiatives to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
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Registered Nurse (RN) license in state currently working in
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Minimum 5+ years of nursing experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
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Experience in addiction treatment, detoxification, behavioral health, or psychiatric care preferred.
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Strong knowledge of detox protocols, withdrawal management, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
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Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and regulatory compliance documentation.
Work Environment & Schedule:
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This role requires onsite presence with the ability to be on call for emergencies.
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May involve weekend and evening oversight as needed.
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Fast-paced, high-acuity environment requiring strong crisis management skills.
