Director of Nursing

Statement of Purpose 

Under the direction of the Administrator and Medical Director, the Director of Nursing (DON) manages the daily operations of the Unit. Assist in developing department goals, objectives, and standards of performance, policies, and procedures. Organizes the department in accordance with administrative guidelines to provide specified nursing services to administration in evaluating proposed changes as they relate to patient care; directs the implementation and ensures compliance with Standards of Nursing Practice that promotes optimum health care delivery. 

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities 

• Plans, supervises, and directs nursing services. 

• Is responsible for meeting unit/program and contract utilization and expectation standards. 

• Participates in continuous quality assurance and improvement activities. Monitors model fidelity for evidence-based practice 

• Acts as a liaison between Medical Director, Nursing and Treatment team as appropriate 

• Routinely observes nursing care to assess patient requirements and staff performance. 

• Consistently assesses quality of care rendered by nursing staff. 

• Responsible for the development or assurance of monthly nurse schedule and appropriate staffing 

• Initiates development and implementation of Nursing Services policies and procedures for the organization. 

• Establishes and maintains organizational planning consistent with hospital or program structure 

• Follows up on complaints and other issues to improve the services provided, as assigned  

• Participates in public relations activities, including community education, referral sources and resources, cooperative relationships with other service providers, agencies, community-based organizations and insurance providers as appropriate based on the needs of assigned programs. 

• Works as a member of the treatment team. Facilitates Inter-Disciplinary Team meetings. 

• Develops and maintains nursing and management reports. 

• Works with Executive leadership and Medical Director, when indicated, to establish staffing requirements. 

• Responsible for performing employee evaluations, corrections, counseling, and training per BHS policy.   

• Participates in and/or facilitates human resources actions such as hire, discharge, warning and disciplinary actions. Take part in and document any actions taken. Prepares performance evaluations. 

• Orients, supports onboarding activities and trains new hires. 

• Provides relevant training to Nursing Staff and Clinical Treatment team as indicated and appropriate 

• Adheres to professional and safety standards. 

• Maintain health and safety standards of facility. 

• Attends meetings and participates in committees as assigned. 

• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; perform job duties accordingly. Represent BHS well in all contacts. 

• Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages.   

• Attend meetings and trainings, and participate in committees as assigned. Support with educational training for program as needed. 

• Adheres to applicable regulatory standards. 

• Other Duties as Assigned 

Director of Nursing Competencies and Performance Expectations 

• Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills. 

• Ability to maintains clinical expertise to ensure quality of care and train to these standards 

• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to a crisis within scope of practice including but not limited to overdose, behavioral challenges, contraband protocol, emergency codes, etc. and train to these standards. 

• Ability to evaluate staff competency, review documentation or other staff output, and provide corrective guidance to ensure compliance with treatment standards and payer requirements 

• Ability to demonstrate and model professional judgment and decision-making, including ability to recognize and seek out supervision and/or consultation when required 

• Ability to recognize personal biases working within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times. 

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure  

• Ability to screen and/or assess for acute intoxication and withdrawal symptoms within scope of practice and train to these standards. 

• Ability to meet productivity standards as assigned, and coach others in meeting productivity standards within the scope of practice.  

• Ability to recognize personal biases within diverse populations, maintain cultural sensitivity at all times, and train to these standards. 

• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including medical providers, mental health clinicians, case managers, and external partners. 

• Ability to effectively communicate expectations, feedback, and program goals to staff in a clear, professional, and supportive manner. 

• Advanced knowledge of substance use, mental health, recovery, and family systems required. 

Prerequisite Qualifications 

The following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Current California RN License and CPR certification. Experience in Substance Use Disorder treatment and advanced knowledge with Co-Occurring Disorders.  1–3 years managerial experience required. Advanced knowledge of substance use, mental health, medications commonly recovery, and family systems required. 

Must have valid California driver’s license and liability insurance if driving a personal vehicle on BHS business. 

Able to stand, stoop, bend squat and reach for purpose of performing job duties such as handling materials stocked on shelves, filing, and lifting. Routinely lift and move items weighing up to twenty-five pounds; is expected to ask for assistance and use a dolly or cart for any heavy items. Vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for the performance of job duties. Able to stand and walk most of the working day and to physically perform other job duties.