Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing (DON) is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing all nursing services within the organization. This position reports directly to the Chief of Quality, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and indirectly supports the Operations team to streamline processes and improve performance across operations. This position ensures that the highest standards of patient care are provided, with a focus on safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. The DON collaborates closely with the Quality and Operations departments to drive continuous improvement initiatives, operational excellence, and evidence-based clinical practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to drive decisions and improvements.
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Knowledge of current behavioral health trends, evidence-based practices, and emerging treatment models.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision:

• Provide strategic leadership to the nursing staff within the behavioral health division, including RNs, LPNs, and nursing assistants.
• Directly manage and mentor the nursing leadership team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with standards of care.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and respect, ensuring staff engagement and retention.

Quality Management (Direct To Chief Of Quality)

• Quality Assurance: Monitor and uphold internal quality standards to ensure that products/services meet required specifications and regulatory guidelines.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for quality improvements, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and monitor outcomes.
• Data Analysis: Analyze quality data and generate reports for management to highlight areas of concern and improvement.
• Audit & Compliance: Lead internal audits and work with the Chief of Quality to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Training & Development: Develop and facilitate training programs for team members related to quality standards and best practices.

Operations Support (Indirect To Operations)

• Collaboration with Operations: Work closely with the operations team to ensure quality control processes are aligned with day-to-day operations and production schedules.
• Troubleshooting: Assist in resolving operational issues related to quality concerns and product/process inconsistencies.
• Reporting: Provide quality-related data and insights to Operations management to assist in decision-making and process optimization.
• Performance Metrics: Help monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) that bridge quality and operational objectives.

Clinical Oversight

• Oversee nursing practices and patient care in the behavioral health units, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care is consistently delivered.
• Ensure compliance with all state, federal, and accrediting agency standards for nursing and behavioral health services.
• Monitor patient outcomes, including clinical assessments, medication management, and care delivery, ensuring effective treatment planning and implementation.

Training And Development

• Lead staff development initiatives, including ongoing training in behavioral health nursing practices, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate continuing education programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the nursing team, especially related to behavioral health care and therapeutic approaches.

Collaboration And Communication

• Maintain strong relationships with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, social workers, and therapists, to ensure comprehensive and holistic patient care.
• Act as a liaison between nursing, Quality, and Operations to ensure transparency in care practices, operational goals, and quality improvements.
• Regularly report on clinical, operational, and quality outcomes to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to nursing practice standards and behavioral health protocols to meet or exceed regulatory requirements.
• Address and manage any nursing-related risks or liabilities within the behavioral health department, ensuring proper documentation and intervention.

Policy & Procedure Development

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of policies and procedures for nursing practices, ensuring they are current with industry standards and best practices.
• Update and refine care delivery models and protocols in response to emerging trends, clinical evidence, or regulatory changes.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasional travel may be required.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and make decisions under pressure.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Medical and dental insurance
• Vision plan
• Retirement plan
• Flexible spending plans
• EXCELLENT time benefits for qualified positions!
• Opportunity for personal and career growth, including supervision towards professional licensure for eligible candidates
• Team-oriented environment – we practice the FISH! Philosophy

Qualifications

• BSN required; Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Active RN license in the state of New Jersey.
• Behavioral Health Nursing certification preferred.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Certification in healthcare leadership or quality improvement (i.e., CPHQ, NE-BC) preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of nursing experience, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role within a behavioral health or psychiatric nursing setting.
• Strong understanding of behavioral health nursing, treatment protocols, and patient care in a psychiatric or mental health environment.
• Proven experience in quality improvement initiatives, patient safety, and regulatory compliance.

All positions require a valid driver’s license in good standing and pre-employment drug screening. Oaks Integrated Care considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; sex; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.