Director of Nursing

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for overseeing all nursing operations within a primary substance abuse detox and residential treatment program opening in Des Moines. This role ensures the safe, ethical, and compliant delivery of medical and nursing services, with a strong focus on medical detox protocols, patient safety, and clinical leadership. The ideal candidate has hands-on detox experience and prior nursing leadership experience, preferably as an Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) or Director of Nursing (DON) in a behavioral health or substance use treatment setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical & Nursing Leadership

• Provide leadership, oversight, and supervision of all nursing staff across detox and residential levels of care
• Ensure safe and effective implementation of medical detox protocols, medication administration, and withdrawal management
• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff on complex cases and medical emergencies
• Collaborate closely with Medical Providers, Clinical Leadership, and Operations to support patient care

Operations & Staffing

• Manage nursing schedules, staffing ratios, and on-call coverage to meet census and acuity needs
• Recruit, train, onboard, and evaluate nursing staff (RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and support staff as applicable)
• Conduct regular staff meetings, performance reviews, and competency assessments
• Support staff development, coaching, and retention initiatives

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure nursing operations are compliant with state regulations, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards (Joint Commission, CARF, etc.)
• Oversee documentation standards, MARs, medical records, and medication storage/security
• Participate in audits, inspections, and corrective action planning as needed
• Maintain policies and procedures related to nursing services and medical detox

Patient Care & Safety

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and compassionate care
• Monitor patient outcomes, incidents, and medication errors, implementing corrective actions when needed
• Ensure adherence to infection control, emergency preparedness, and risk management protocols

Qualifications:

Required

• Active RN license in the state of employment (compact license preferred where applicable)
• Proven experience working in a medical detox or substance abuse treatment setting
• Strong understanding of withdrawal management, detox protocols, and medication-assisted treatment
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred

• Previous nursing leadership experience as an ADON or DON
• Experience in residential substance abuse treatment programs
• Familiarity with Joint Commission or CARF accreditation standards
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary nursing teams

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Leadership role within a mission-driven organization
• Opportunity to shape nursing operations and standards of care
• Supportive, collaborative clinical environment