Director of Nursing

Job Summary

The role of the Director of Nursing is to oversee the nursing staff and overall nursing operations within the facility. Duties include evaluating and directing all nursing employees, establishing goals for the department, and enforcing compliant healthcare policies.

Role and Responsibilities

• Assists nursing staff with or performs, as needed, daily assessments on clients regarding their substance use disorder, mental health illness, and/or eating disorder, along with any medical concerns that may arise.
• Assists nursing staff in the completion of and performs as needed, nursing intakes, daily vital sign assessments for clients.
• Ensure 24/7 nursing coverage by actively managing staff scheduling, shift coverage, and contingency planning.
• Develop and implement systems for proactive scheduling, minimizing reliance on agency staff and overtime.
• Monitor staffing levels and acuity needs, adjusting as necessary to ensure safe and effective care delivery.
• Provides nursing coverage in the event of a unit being short-staffed and no other coverage being available.
• Collaborate with HR and recruitment teams to fill open positions and retain qualified staff.
• Serve as a visible, approachable, and supportive leader who promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect.
• Motivate and inspire nursing staff through coaching, recognition, and clear communication of expectations and performance goals.
• Lead by example in demonstrating professionalism, ethical behavior, and a commitment to high-quality care.
• Conduct regular team meetings, one-on-ones, and performance evaluations to foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable nursing department objectives and initiatives.
• Partner with leadership to implement clinical and operational improvements that enhance patient outcomes and organizational performance.
• Monitor nursing KPIs and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, internal policies, and quality benchmarks.
• Promote a shared vision that aligns with the mission, values, and long-term goals of the organization.
• Oversee nursing care for individuals with behavioral health conditions, ensuring clinical practices are evidence-based and trauma-informed.
• Train and support nursing staff in the unique needs of behavioral health populations, including de-escalation techniques and therapeutic communication.
• Collaborate with care teams to provide coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Ensure adherence to behavioral health standards, including confidentiality, safety, and individualized treatment planning.
• Maintain readiness for all audits, surveys, and inspections by ensuring staff are trained and documentation is accurate and up-to-date.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to meet or exceed state, federal, and accrediting body standards.
• Analyze incident reports and adverse events to implement corrective actions and improve safety.
• Identify educational needs and provide or coordinate training programs for clinical competency, leadership skills, and behavioral health best practices.
• Support nursing staff in obtaining certifications, continuing education, and career advancement opportunities.
• Utilizes an electronic medical record (EMR) and submits all documentation in a timely manner.
• Completes performance reviews for nursing staff, provides coaching and disciplinary action, as needed.
• Schedules and conducts monthly nursing meetings for client care continuity, education and implementing new processes.
• Schedules and runs bi-weekly Charge Nurse meetings.
• Assists in the hiring and onboarding of new nursing staff.
• Works closely with other directors to ensure quality, effective, and safe care is being given.
• Creates and updates policies and procedures for the nursing department.
• Oversight of the Outpatient Medical process.
• As necessary, works with the HR department to address staffing needs, concerns, and other employment related concerns.
• Adheres to established Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and employee handbook.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) with current licensure in Michigan, required.
• Two (2) years of behavioral health nursing experience, required.
• Minimum three (3) years management experience, required.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, mental health illnesses, eating disorders, and associated treatments, required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all client records and business-related records, as required under HIPAA guidelines.
• Attention to detail and efficient time-management skills.
• Experience with conflict resolution and de-escalation.
• Ability to effectively communicate, be self-motivated, demonstrate organizational skills, critical thinking, and good decision-making.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to HIPAA guidelines.
• Knowledge of medication administration experience and proficiency.
• Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR).
• Ability to identify own strengths and areas of improvement and communicate needs to supervisor.
• Demonstrates professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Values.
• Must be able to relate well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.
• Ability to work within a team setting and create an environment where all are valued and work together cohesively.
• Must possess positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds.
• Must be able to adapt to the physical demands of lifting clients, bending, stooping, and stretching with or without assistance.
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken words to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands.
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly.
• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures.

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.