Director of Nursing (DON)

About the role

NaphCare is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to join our team at the Alabama Department of Corrections - William Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, AL. The DON is instrumental in fostering a positive work environment for all nurses and support staff, leading by example, setting clear expectations, and advocating for nursing needs.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with medical, mental health, and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Lead Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Manage nursing operations, resources, budgets, and staffing schedules, including hiring, training, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Ensure staff adhere to current and new policies, procedures, and the company Code of Conduct.
• Effectively communicate with healthcare and correctional staff to coordinate patient care with external providers.
• Monitor compliance with site-specific and company policies, ACA, and NCCHC standards, taking corrective action as needed.
• Ensure all healthcare-related equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter medications are appropriately stocked and available.
• Support staff in developing problem-solving and nursing diagnoses competency.
• Conduct daily clinical rounds to review documentation, orders, and patient care plans, ensuring objectives are understood and practiced.
• Conduct educational classes, in-service training, and train staff on new procedures/policies.
• Mitigate risks by proactively addressing potential hazards, including dangerous work conditions and health/safety concerns.
• Participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual meetings as required by contract compliance.

Requirements

• Current, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Alabama.
• Active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association required).
• Three years of clinical and progressive management experience in a government or private organization related to comprehensive medical, dental, and mental healthcare services within a correctional healthcare or acute care setting.
• Ability to manage complex staffing matrices and clinical supplies.
• Excellent communication skills with proven experience leading, managing, and coaching medical staff through complex HR issues.
• Knowledge of nursing practice principles, occupational health and safety standards, infectious disease management, and applicable healthcare laws and regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of proprietary and/or confidential information.
• Integrity, professionalism, and adherence to a Code of Conduct and all facility correctional healthcare policies and legal requirements.
• Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, and walk significant distances.
• Perform physically demanding tasks such as CPR while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance starting on day one.
• Prescriptions free of charge through the health plan, beginning day one.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
• 401K and Roth with company contribution starting on day one.
• Tuition assistance.
• Referral bonuses.
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Free continuing education and CMEs.