Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing (DON)Reports to:

Medical Director Supervises:

Nurse Manager(s), RNs, LPNs, Residential Care Techs, Clinical Director and all other ancillary MRC Staff members

Location:

Multi-campus system - Detox/Residential for new location opening in

Atlantic, Iowa Status:

Full-time, Exempt Position Summary The Director of Nursing (DON) is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for overseeing all operations across Midwest Recovery Centers' programs ~Iowa. This role ensures delivery of high quality, trauma informed, and patient centered medical and behavioral healthcare aligned with the organization's mission and values. The DON provides leadership in medical governance, compliance, staffing, risk prevention, and continuous quality improvement, ensuring adherence to Joint Commission, Department of Mental Health, and organizational standards. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Management Provide strategic and operational leadership for all functions across MRC Iowa campuses. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff and medical support staff to promote excellence, accountability, and teamwork. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and medical protocols consistent with evidence based practice and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with the Medical Director and multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated, whole person care delivery. Actively participate in leadership meetings, sentinel event reviews, and root cause analyses. Ensure clear delegation of duties among leadership tiers (Clinical Director, RN/LPN, Tech, Kitchen staff etc ). Lead interdepartmental collaboration to ensure smooth patient flow, continuity of care, and regulatory readiness. Clinical Oversight & Quality Assurance Ensure consistent, safe, and effective nursing care across detox and residential settings. Review and monitor medication administration, detox protocols, and standing orders for compliance and safety. Oversee chart audits, documentation standards, and quality metrics to drive continuous improvement. Maintain current knowledge of pharmacological and medical best practices for primary mental health, co-occurring and substance use disorders. Serve as clinical liaison for medical emergencies, infection control, and communicable disease management. Review treatment plans, withdrawal management protocols, and incident reports in collaboration with the Medical Director and providers. Oversee triage and emergency response standards, support crisis management and sentinel event review processes. Evaluate patient outcomes, trends, and indicators to identify opportunities for improvement. Regulatory Compliance Ensure all nursing operations meet standards of The Joint Commission, Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), OSHA, and HIPAA. Lead preparation for internal and external audits, inspections, and site reviews. Maintain nursing licensure files, credentials, and training records in compliance with HR and regulatory requirements. Develop and maintain policies for sentinel event reporting, medication management, and scope-of-practice standards. Staff Development & Training Coordinate new hire orientation, ongoing education, and annual competency reviews for nursing personnel. Promote a culture of learning and accountability aligned with MRC's risk-prevention and continuous improvement philosophy. Facilitate continuing education on addiction medicine, mental health, trauma informed care, and risk prevention. Mentor leadership development and effective team management. Operational & Fiscal Management Implement and manage nursing department budgets, schedules, and staffing plans to ensure appropriate coverage and fiscal responsibility with guidance of CFO and Medical Director. Evaluate and recommend staffing models, technology, and workflow enhancements for optimal care efficiency. Collaborate with leadership to plan for expansion of services, new programs, and enhanced medical integration. Collaborate on resource allocation and equipment purchasing in conjunction with the Medical Director and CFO. Monitor staffing levels, turnover, and recruitment needs to maintain a sustainable workforce. Supervisory Responsibilities Directly supervises support staff. Conducts regular performance evaluations and disciplinary actions in coordination with HR and executive leadership. Fosters a professional, team-oriented culture built on respect, accountability, and compassion. Qualifications Current RN license in good standing with the Iowa State Board of Nursing (compact license preferred with ability to practice in Missouri for training purposes). Minimum 5 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, preferably in behavioral health, detox, or addiction medicine settings. Strong knowledge of Joint Commission, DMH, OSHA, and HIPAA regulations. Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams in a fast paced, multi-campus environment. Excellent communication, crisis management, and organizational skills. Excellent knowledge and mastery of paper and digital records, tracking mechanisms, EMR charting, and organizational document creation and management. Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required; Master's Degree (MSN or MHA) preferred. Core Competencies Leadership & Mentorship Medical Judgment & Risk Prevention Regulatory Compliance & Documentation Accuracy Emotional Intelligence & Team Collaboration Strategic Planning & Resource Management Ethical Decision Making & Patient Advocacy Physical Demands / Work Environment Frequent walking, standing, and travel between MRC campuses. Exposure to a variety of clinical settings including detox and residential environments. Necessary travel for training purposes to Kansas City, Missouri (paid + expenses) Statement of Culture The Director of Nursing embodies Midwest Recovery Centers' mission to deliver compassionate, evidence based, and holistic care that honors the dignity and resilience of every individual. This role upholds the organization's risk-prevention culture, fostering an environment where safety, integrity, and accountability are central to every aspect of nursing practice. Must be of the conviction that substance use and mental health disorders are treatable illnesses. Must have no evidence of alcohol or drug misuse for at least 5 years prior to employment and none during employment.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$95,000.00 - $119,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person