Director of Nursing (DON/RN)

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive work environment for all nurses and support staff.
• Lead by example and set clear expectations and direction for their work.
• Communicate practice changes, advocate for nursing needs, offer guidance and support.
• Collaborate with other staff members and be involved in recruiting, coaching, and mentoring new nursing staff.
• Oversee nursing and support staff and clinical operations.
• Collaborate with medical and mental health teams to enhance quality patient care.
• Lead Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Manage nursing operations, resources, budgets, and staffing schedules.
• Ensure staff adhere to current and new policies and procedures and company Code of Conduct.
• Monitor staffing needs and help recruit new staff.
• Conduct educational classes and train staff on new procedures/policies.
• Mitigate risks by proactively addressing potential hazards, including dangerous work conditions, health and safety concerns, and report issues to company leadership and facility management.

Qualifications

• Holds a current, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse within the state.
• Possesses an active BLS/CPR Certification (AHA preferred).
• 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 Human Resource issues and challenges.
• Knowledge of nursing practice principles and techniques, occupational health and safety standards, infectious disease management, applicable health care laws, regulations, and procedures for direct health care services.
• Ability to interact effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health or substance abuse issues.
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism, and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening.
• Physical Capabilities: Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.