Director Of Nursing (DON)

Director of Nursing

Aurora Behavioral Health System | Tempe, Arizona

Full-Time | On-Site

Aurora Behavioral Health System is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and dynamic Director of Nursing to join our leadership team in Tempe, Arizona.

The Director of Nursing (DON) is a key member of the hospital's leadership team and provides overall leadership, direction, and oversight for Nursing and Patient Care Services. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, patient-centered care while supporting clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, employee development, staffing, quality improvement, and responsible use of departmental resources.

Key Responsibilities

Nursing & Clinical Leadership

• Provide overall leadership, direction, and oversight of Nursing and Patient Care Services.
• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop nursing leaders and clinical staff.
• Oversee Unit Managers, House Supervisors, Staffing/Purchasing Coordinator, Clinical Educator, and other nursing leadership personnel.
• Ensure nursing units are appropriately staffed based on patient acuity, census, and patient care needs.
• Promote high standards of nursing practice and patient-centered care.
• Develop, implement, review, and maintain effective nursing policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Medical Staff and hospital leadership to meet facility goals and objectives.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader within the hospital.

Patient Care & Safety

• Ensure patients are treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and individualized care .
• Promote a culture of patient safety and quality throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with patient rights, regulatory standards, hospital policies, and applicable requirements.
• Respond promptly to patient and family concerns and participate in resolution efforts.
• Keep hospital administration and the leadership team informed regarding patient rights, safety, quality, and clinical concerns.
• Support clinical staff in providing effective communication with patients and families throughout the admission and treatment process.
• Monitor clinical outcomes and identify opportunities to improve patient care.

Quality Improvement & Regulatory Compliance

• Conduct audits and monitor clinical performance.
• Collect and analyze data, track trends, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement initiatives designed to improve patient outcomes and quality of care.
• Promote continuous improvement throughout Nursing and Patient Care Services.
• Ensure staff maintain appropriate clinical competencies and follow established policies and procedures.
• Participate in regulatory and accreditation activities as appropriate.

Employee Leadership & Development

• Establish a culture of teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and mutual respect.
• Participate in recruitment, retention, orientation, education, and professional development of nursing staff.
• Assist with new employee orientation and create a welcoming environment for new team members.
• Address employee performance and conduct concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Partner with Human Resources regarding employee performance, conduct, and other employee-related matters.
• Promote open communication and encourage staff feedback and ideas.
• Recognize opportunities to develop and strengthen nursing leadership.

Financial & Operational Management

• Develop an understanding of hospital financial operations and the Nursing Department's role in meeting financial goals.
• Manage departmental resources responsibly and cost-effectively.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality and patient safety.
• Participate in management meetings and provide input regarding staffing, resources, staff development, programs, goals, and objectives.
• Ensure administrative and staff responsibilities are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build effective working relationships with Medical Staff, hospital leadership, Human Resources, and other departments.
• Communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional and considerate behavior.
• Remain flexible and adaptable when circumstances or organizational needs change.
• Lead by example and promote a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a related field preferred.
• Master's-prepared candidates are strongly preferred because of the clinical leadership, administrative, and operational responsibilities of the position.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of experience in an acute psychiatric setting .
• Minimum 2 years of nursing management experience .
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership, management, direction, and support to clinical staff.
• Previous behavioral health or inpatient psychiatric leadership experience strongly preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current, unrestricted Arizona Registered Nurse (RN) license .
• Current CPR certification.
• T.O. certification upon hire or within 30 days of hire.
• Must meet applicable fingerprint clearance requirements.
• Current negative TB test or required medical clearance.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a leader who doesn't simply manage a nursing department but inspires and develops people while maintaining high standards of patient care.

• Is passionate about behavioral healthcare and improving the lives of patients.
• Leads with integrity, accountability, and professionalism .
• Builds strong relationships based on trust and respect.
• Keeps patients and their needs at the center of decision-making.
• Has strong clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills.
• Can effectively lead in a fast-paced inpatient psychiatric environment.
• Develops employees while maintaining appropriate accountability.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with staff, physicians, patients, families, and leadership.
• Embraces continuous improvement and actively looks for ways to improve care and outcomes.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Understands the importance of fiscal responsibility and effective resource management.
• Is flexible, adaptable, and comfortable leading through change.
• Promotes teamwork, collaboration, inclusion, and mutual respect.
• Serves as a positive professional role model for the nursing department and organization.

Our Mission

To inspire hope and wellness in every patient through exceptional individualized care.

Our Vision

To be the leading integrated behavioral healthcare system in Arizona.

At Aurora Behavioral Health System , the Director of Nursing has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day by leading the nursing team, supporting our patients and families, and helping create an environment where exceptional behavioral healthcare can thrive.

Location: 6350 S Maple Ave Tempe, Arizona 85283 Department: Nursing / Patient Care Services Position: Director of Nursing Employment: Full-Time Work Setting: On-Site Education: BSN Required | MSN Preferred License: Current Arizona RN License Required