Director of Nursing (DON)

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the clinical practice of nursing which includes directing all services provided by the Nursing Services Department. As a member of senior management this position ensures the development, implementation and evaluation of policies, programs and services consistent with the facility's goals and objectives, and actively participates in a leadership role by consulting with facility management in designing and providing total patient care and services.

Essential Duties:

• In conjunction with CEO, define and communicate the organization's mission at the local market level.
• Assist the CEO in directing the planning and implementation of goals and objectives set forth by the CEO to accomplish mission within the established parameters, procure and allocate the resources to meet these goals and objectives.
• Works with CEO to ensure financial management produces a desirable ROI: Revenue generation, expense control (I.e., personnel and non-personnel expense).
• Ensure that all local services meet the industry standards of quality of care.
• Assist CEO in identifying, developing and motivating the organization's management team.
• Plans, directs and coordinates services for assigned departments regarding operations, nursing practices, long goals and budgets. Consults and directs Supervisors in regards to staffing matters, problem solving, training, supplies and equipment requisites, human resources management.
• Ensures compliance with quality assurance, safety, infection control, and environmental procedures in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepares reports, maintains records, compiles statistics, etc. as directed/required.
• Carries out personnel management activities associated with direct staff supervision, including screening and selection, orientation training and development, performance management, and employee relations functions.
• Coordinates programs for the development of nursing staff. Plans and conducts regular specialized in-service training. Develops and implements training and development needs of nursing supervisors. Responsible of integrating nursing services with medical services.
• Supervises and coordinates work of licensed and unlicensed personnel in a unit. Manages quality and effectiveness of care given by staff.
• Develops a cost-effective, 24-hour staffing pattern within the unit (s) to meet needs of patients and labor budget.
• Participates within the department of nursing services in establishing the standards of patient care, policies and objectives of a given unit; communicates such standards, policies and objectives to unit's) staff, patient, family and community.
• Responsible for carrying out psychiatrists/physicians' orders, and for the accurate reporting and recording of patients' symptoms, reactions and progress.
• Upholds the Organization's ethics and customer service standards.
• Performs related duties as requested.

Requirements

Education and/or Licensure – Bachelor's degree in Nursing and Master's degree in Nursing or health-related field required. CPR and CPI Certifications (must be obtained within 30 days of hire). Valid Massachusetts RN license in good standing required.

Experience – Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible position as head of nursing, managing multiple departments. Acute psychiatric care experience required. Must be 21 years old or older.

Additional Requirements – None

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

§  Knowledgeable of patient rights and laws pertaining to mental health and regulations pertaining to psychiatric nursing and the treatment of the mentally and emotionally disturbed patients. Theories, principles, and techniques of group and individual psychotherapy. Symptoms and behavior patterns of emotionally disturbed mentally ill patients.

§  Advanced knowledge and clinical skills in diagnosis and treatment of mental health, professional nursing principles, procedures, and techniques used in the care and treatment of psychiatric patients, social, psychological, and physical factors of mental and emotional disorders, medical and psychological terminology, medications, including psychotropic drugs, and effects on psychiatric patients. Control, preparation and administration of medications.

§  Demonstrates sound leadership skills and utilizes these skills in organizing the activities and schedules for medical and/or non-medical tasks of the Child, Adolescent and Adult for a given shift; record of consistently high quality of clinical and interpersonal skills to be an exemplary role model to others

§  Displays basic knowledge of treatment procedures; interventions common to acute psychotic as well as non-violent crises intervention practice, medical and psychiatric emergency procedures.

§  Basic knowledge of abnormal psychology as typically found in the child or adolescent psychiatric population, application of this knowledge to child, adolescent or adult knowledge of medical terminology, especially those terms associated with child, adolescent or adult psychiatric care; thorough familiarity of psychopharmacy and the use of psychotropic medications with child, adolescent or adult psychiatric population, basic teaching and training skills helpful; problem-solving; organizational and time management; crisis intervention skills

§  Ability to apply professional nursing care principles and procedures in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric patients. Develop interpersonal therapeutic relationships with psychiatric patients.

§  Must be able to work productively with other department heads and personnel.

§  Ability to work with professionals from many outside partners and organizations.

§  Usually works forty (40) hours per week, including weekends.

§  Ability to successfully manage conflict, negotiating “win-win” solutions.

§  Must be able to multi-task, prioritize with strong time management skills.

§  Exceptional follow through on tasks and assignments

§  Must possess leadership qualities and be able to supervise and secure the cooperation of staff.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions

Perform the following with or without reasonable accommodations:

§  Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, and be able to perceive the attributes of objects such as size, shape, temperature, and/or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of the fingertips. 

§  Ability to express and exchange ideas via spoken word during activities in which they must convey detail or important spoken instructions to others accurately, sometimes quickly and loudly.

§  Hearing to perceive the nature of sound with no less than 40 lb loss @ Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction; ability to perceive detailed information orally and make fine discriminations in sound. 

§  Perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers. Individual must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and to be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. 

§  Work requires a minimum standard of visual acuity with or without correction that will enable people in the role to complete administrative and clerical tasks, as well as inspect and analyze.

§  Must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversation and foot traffic; ability to handle interruptions often and be able to move from one task to another

§  While worker may possibly be subjected to temperature changes, the worker is generally not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions as the work is predominantly inside.

Benefits

Eligible employees receive:

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K

HSA/FSA

Pet Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement