Director of Nursing

Role: Interim Director of Nursing (DON) Location: Lake Charles, LA Position Type: Interim / Contract Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Interim Director of Nursing (DON) to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the nursing department at a behavioral health hospital. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, staff development, and efficient day-to-day nursing operations. The Interim DON will collaborate closely with executive leadership to maintain clinical excellence, patient safety, and organizational performance while supporting the hospital's mission and values. Key Responsibilities Provide 24/7 leadership, direction, and accountability for all nursing operations. Lead and supervise nursing staff, ensuring the delivery of safe, compassionate, and evidence-based behavioral healthcare. Develop, implement, and enforce nursing policies, procedures, and clinical standards. Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, state, and federal regulatory requirements. Maintain appropriate staffing levels, workforce planning, and resource allocation. Recruit, mentor, coach, and evaluate nursing leaders and clinical staff. Develop and manage departmental budgets while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Monitor quality metrics, patient outcomes, and performance improvement initiatives. Foster a culture of patient safety, teamwork, accountability, and service excellence. Collaborate with physicians, department leaders, and executive management to improve operational efficiency and patient care. Lead problem-solving initiatives, conflict resolution, and process improvement efforts. Ensure all nursing staff maintain required licensure, certifications, mandatory education, and competency requirements. Serve as a key member of the hospital leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational initiatives. Required Qualifications Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana, Texas, or a Compact State. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred. Minimum 3 years of progressive nursing leadership experience in an acute care or behavioral health hospital, including Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, Unit Coordinator, or Director-level responsibilities. Strong knowledge of behavioral health nursing practices, regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and quality improvement. Current CPR, ACLS, and PALS certifications, as applicable. Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills. Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience serving as an Interim Director of Nursing or Nursing Executive. Behavioral Health or Psychiatric Hospital leadership experience strongly preferred. Experience leading regulatory surveys, accreditation readiness, and performance improvement initiatives. #J-18808-Ljbffr Comtech LLC