Director of Nursing

Job Details

Location:

Elgin, IL 60123

Salary Range: $ - $ per year

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for strategic leadership, clinical oversight, and operational management of nursing services across detoxification, residential treatment, and outpatient behavioral health programs for individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The DON ensures that all nursing services are delivered in accordance with Joint Commission (TJC) standards, state licensing regulations, organizational policies, and evidence‑based clinical practices.

The DON oversees nursing staff performance, patient safety, medication management, detox protocols, clinical documentation, and quality improvement initiatives to ensure high‑quality, patient‑centered care. The Director of Nursing collaborates with the Medical Director, Clinical Director, and executive leadership to ensure effective integration of medical, psychiatric, and therapeutic services.

• Follow all facility policies and procedures and conduct themselves in a way conducive with Elevare Behavioral Health’s employee handbook.
• Maintain a high level of customer service demonstrating versatility and flexibility with quick changes of priorities.
• Assist in AMA blocking of patients – encouraging patients to continue to engage in treatment.
• Provide clinical leadership and oversight for all nursing services across detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient programs.
• Ensure implementation of evidence‑based nursing practices for substance use and mental health disorders.
• Collaborate with the Medical Director regarding detoxification protocols, medication‑assisted treatment (MAT), and psychiatric medication management.
• Ensure nursing staff conduct comprehensive nursing assessments upon admission.
• Oversee medical monitoring for detox patients, including withdrawal management protocols (CIWA, COWS).
• Participate in treatment team meetings and provide clinical nursing input into treatment planning.
• Manage nursing staffing models, schedules and budget for all levels of care.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate nursing staff performance.
• Ensure adequate 24/7 nursing coverage for residential and detox programs.
• Maintain nursing competencies and professional standards.
• Conduct regular monthly nursing staff meetings and clinical supervision sessions.
• Oversee medication administration practices, conducting random audits, and providing education regarding medication errors.
• Ensure proper medication storage, handling, inventory control, and documentation.
• Monitor compliance with Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT) protocols.
• Conduct routine medication room inspections, medication audits and reconciliation reviews.
• Ensure compliance with controlled substance regulations.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Joint Commission Behavioral Health Standards
  • State licensing regulations
  • DEA and pharmacy regulations
  • Infection control standards
• Participate in quality improvement (QI) initiatives.
• Monitor and report clinical quality indicators and patient safety events.
• Oversee nursing participation in incident reporting and risk management processes.
• Develop and maintain nursing policies and procedures ensuring compliance with regulatory and evidence‑based practice.
• Participate in accreditation surveys and regulatory inspections.
• Lead nursing recruitment, onboarding, and competency development.
• Ensure completion of required clinical competencies and annual training.
• Provide clinical education on detox protocols, psychiatric medications, and crisis management.
• Provide training to nursing staff regarding assessing and screening a patient’s risk for suicide, and provide oversight to suicide risk assessment to ensure proper protocols are implemented per policy.
• Maintain infection control plan and ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols.
• Monitor patient safety practices and emergency response procedures.
• Oversee medical emergency preparedness and response training.
• Ensure nursing documentation meets clinical, legal, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor compliance with EHR documentation requirements.
• Conduct chart audits to ensure documentation quality and…