Director of Nursing

Job Description

Job Description

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.