Director of Nursing

Job Type Full-time Description

General Summary :

The Director of Nursing (DON) is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing nursing staff and ensuring the delivery of top-quality patient care.

The primary duties include treatment of patients, leadership, and management of the nursing department, staffing and recruitment, maintaining quality assurance and compliance, coordinating patient care, providing education and training, managing budgets and resources, fostering communication and collaboration, preparing for emergencies, and continuously improving nursing operations.

The DON's role is critical in upholding patient care standards, regulatory compliance, and the efficient operation of the department.

The DON will work within Withdrawal Management, SUD Residential, Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP) Recovery Housing, Group Homes and the OTP Clinic providing nursing oversight and adherence to regulatory and compliance items.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Patient Care
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, therapists, certified peers, and social workers, to coordinate patient care plans.
• Oversee patient assessments, care plans, and the administration of medications.
• Communication and Collaboration :
• Foster effective communication and collaboration among nursing staff, other departments, and administrators.
• Act as a liaison between nursing staff and upper management, conveying valuable information and advocating for department needs.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance :
• Ensure that the nursing departments in above listed programs complies with all applicable healthcare laws, regulations, and accreditation standards (e.

g., CARF, OHMAS, OAC etc.)

• Monitor and assess the quality of patient care, infection control, and safety protocols.
• Implement quality improvement initiatives and track performance metrics.
• Education and Training :
• Develop and provide ongoing education and training programs for nursing staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Develop assistance with self-administration of medication training.
• Conduct for all new employees and annually for group homes, recovery housing, residential
• Additional identified trainings as needed related to nursing in the identified departments / agency
• Stay up to date with advancements in nursing practice and technology and ensure that staff members do the same.
• Continuous Improvement :
• Continuously evaluate department processes and workflows for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify areas for improvement and implement changes to enhance patient care and staff productivity.
• Risk Management :
• Identify and mitigate risks related to patient care, safety, and compliance.
• Investigate and report incidents or adverse events, taking appropriate corrective actions.
• Participate in health and safety committee monthly.
• Emergency Preparedness :
• Develop and implement emergency response plans for nursing services, ensuring staff readiness for unexpected situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

Serving the Zepf Center in Management is a privilege. You represent the agency at a high level, and responsibly direct staff and policy.

You are a constant example of our agency's motto : Hope Begins Here.

• Clinical Nursing Supervision
• Provide strong leadership and guidance to nursing staff, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and medical assistants (MAs).
• Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and standards in compliance with healthcare regulations and best practices.
• Signs documentation requiring RN licensure (such as but not limited to : Medication Variance Sheets, ISPs, Agency Discharges)
• Conducts and assists with staffing meetings.
• Participate on regular on-call nursing management schedule between CSU and Withdrawal Management
• Staffing and Recruitment :
• Recruit, hire, and train nursing personnel, ensuring that the team is adequately staffed to provide safe and effective patient care.
• Assist in shift coverage when needed to meet the needs of a 24 / 7 operation.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to nursing staff.
• Address staffing issues, conflicts, and disciplinary matters as needed utilizing agency policy and the CBA
• Abides by the Equal Employment Act to develop, train, and assist each employee.
• Budget and Resource Management :
• Prepare and manage the nursing department's budget, making cost-effective decisions about staffing, supplies, and equipment.
• Monitor’s documentation to assure proper medical billing, diagnosis codes and documentation are correct, accurate and completed in a timely manner.
• Ability to comprehend department budgets and fiscal processes. Understanding that fiscal recommendations need to correspond with Zepf Center’s strategic vision.
• Optimize resource allocation to maintain efficient operations while ensuring patient care quality.

Position Competencies :

• Clinical Expertise :
• Possess a strong clinical background and expertise in nursing practices and procedures.
• Stay up to date with advances in nursing care, medications, medical technologies, and ensure that evidence-based, best practices are followed in the assessment, treatment, and monitoring of patients with addiction issues.
• Leadership Skills :
• Provide strong leadership to nursing staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Lead by example and inspire others to excel in their roles.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategic plans for the department and the overall agency
• Management Abilities :
• Effectively manage and allocate resources, including budgeting, staffing, and equipment.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills.
• Regulatory Knowledge :
• Have a deep understanding of healthcare regulations and accreditation standards relevant to the department.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Quality Improvement :
• Implement and oversee quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and safety.
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics to drive improvements.
• Communication Skills :
• Exhibit excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Foster open and effective communication among nursing staff and with other healthcare professionals.
• Problem Solving and Decision-Making :
• Make informed and timely decisions, especially in critical situations.
• Analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.
• Patient-Centered Care :
• Prioritize patient needs and advocate for patient rights and well-being.
• Ensure that nursing staff provide compassionate and patient-focused care.
• Education and Training :
• Develop and provide ongoing education and training programs for nursing staff.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration :
• Collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists, and social workers, to coordinate patient care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary care team meetings.
• Ethical and Legal Awareness :
• Uphold ethical standards and professional integrity in all interactions and decision-making.
• Ensure that the nursing department operates within legal and ethical boundaries.
• Data Management and Technology :
• Utilize EHR - SmartCare for documentation and data analysis.
• Ensure the secure and confidential handling of patient records.

EOE / M / F / D / V / SO

Requirements

Organizational Competencies :

• Ethical and Professional Conduct :
• Abide by the agency and professionals code of ethics, demonstrate consistent professionalism.
• Adherence to the organization's code of conduct and values.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the agency’s mission, vision, goals, and philosophy as well as the policies and procedures.
• Innovation and Creativity :
• Capacity to think creatively, generate innovative ideas, and find innovative solutions to challenges.
• Willingness to embrace change and drive innovation.
• Integrated Care
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues, cross-functional teams, and external partners to achieve common goals.
• Demonstrated skills in fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Trauma Informed Care
• Effectively mediate and resolve conflicts among nursing staff and other team members.
• Commit to cultivating a non-violent and trauma-informed environment for all employees and clients, through our pursuit of Sanctuary;

a trauma-informed model. Commit to a deeper exploration of Sanctuary Values.

• Incorporates sanctuary techniques into daily work activities.
• Participates in sanctuary process teams and / or supports sanctuary initiatives.

Position Qualifications :

• Must be a Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing.
• Must have at least 5 years’ experience in nursing with at least 2 including supervisory responsibilities.
• Must have a valid driver's license and insurance.

Those eligible to drive company vehicles must have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage as defined by the agency commercial insurance carrier.

Those who drive personal vehicles in the course of business must be able to provide proof of insurance.