DON bei Beacon Behavioral Hospital

About the Role:

The Director of Nursing (DON) at Beacon Behavioral Hospital in Lutcher, plays a pivotal leadership role in overseeing the nursing department to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health care. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining nursing policies and procedures that comply with regulatory standards and promote best practices in mental health nursing. The DON leads and mentors nursing staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances professional development and staff retention. Additionally, the role involves coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and ensure seamless care delivery. Ultimately, the DON ensures that nursing services align with the hospital’s mission and strategic goals while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and staff alike.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Louisiana.
• Master's degree in psychiatric or mental health nursing
• Master's degree in related field such as psychology or nursing education
• Minimum of five years of clinical nursing experience, with at least three years providing direct nursing care to the mentally ill. 
• At least two years of supervisory or management experience in a healthcare environment.
• Strong knowledge of behavioral health nursing practices, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in nursing
• Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMHN-BC) or Nursing Administration (NE-BC).
• Experience working in a hospital-based behavioral health setting.
• Proven track record of successful nursing leadership and staff development.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and healthcare quality improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the nursing department, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing policies, procedures, and standards of care specific to behavioral health services.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate nursing staff performance, promoting continuous education and professional growth.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, therapists, and administrative staff to coordinate comprehensive patient care plans.
• Manage nursing budgets, staffing schedules, and resource allocation to optimize operational efficiency and patient care quality.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate and timely documentation in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and participate in accreditation and licensing surveys to uphold hospital standards.
• Address patient and family concerns related to nursing care promptly and effectively to enhance patient satisfaction.

Skills:

The Director of Nursing utilizes strong leadership and communication skills daily to inspire and guide nursing staff toward excellence in patient care. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing complex clinical and administrative challenges within the behavioral health environment. The role demands proficiency in regulatory compliance and quality assurance to maintain high standards and meet accreditation requirements. Interpersonal skills facilitate effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and families, ensuring holistic and compassionate care. Additionally, organizational and financial management skills are applied to optimize staffing, budgeting, and resource allocation, supporting the hospital’s operational goals.

Beacon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.