Director of Nursing

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

• Oversee all nursing staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and best practices in line with state and federal regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Joint Commission (TJC), CMS, and state health department standards.
• Work closely with the Medical Director, Clinical Director, and Executive Leadership to create and maintain a safe, patient-centered environment.
• Monitor and manage staffing ratios to ensure proper coverage and quality care.

Clinical Operations & Patient Care

• Ensure best practices in detox protocols, medication management, withdrawal management, and addiction recovery care.
• Supervise and support nursing interventions for patients with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and medical complications related to addiction.
• Maintain infection control and patient safety protocols in both detox and rehab settings.
• Oversee the administration of medications, including MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) programs such as Suboxone and Vivitrol.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Monitor and ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in accordance with HIPAA and facility standards.
• Conduct quality assurance audits, incident investigations, and risk assessments.
• Address and resolve patient complaints and concerns related to nursing care.
• Stay up to date with state and federal addiction treatment regulations and ensure the facility meets all requirements.

Education & Staff Development

• Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Implement staff wellness initiatives to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.

Qualifications:

• Registered Nurse (RN) license in state currently working in
• Minimum 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in addiction treatment, detoxification, behavioral health, or psychiatric care preferred.
• Strong knowledge of detox protocols, withdrawal management, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and regulatory compliance documentation.

Work Environment & Schedule:

• This role requires onsite presence with the ability to be on call for emergencies.
• May involve weekend and evening oversight as needed.
• Fast-paced, high-acuity environment requiring strong crisis management skills.