Director Of Nursing 1

State of Connecticut•Middletown, CT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services is hiring a Director of Nursing 1 to direct nursing services at Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. The role provides strategic oversight and hands-on clinical leadership across both hospital buildings, supporting nursing supervisors and their teams in delivering high-quality, safe patient care. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, on the second shift, working four 10-hour shifts from 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. It includes every other weekend, occasional holidays, and on-call responsibilities. This is a hazardous-duty position. Whiting Forensic Hospital provides inpatient services to people involved in the criminal justice system or who are not ready to be safely treated in less restrictive settings. The hospital has 91 maximum-security beds and 138 enhanced-security beds. The Director of Nursing directs or assists with directing nursing operations, planning clinical activities, developing goals and policies, overseeing care plans and quality improvement, coordinating nursing coverage, and supporting staff development and patient safety. The role may include direct patient care and oversight of other disciplines. Applicants must hold and retain a Connecticut Registered Nurse license or a multistate/compact Registered Nurse license. A comprehensive medical examination, including drug screening, is required after a conditional offer. The position may require a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and travel.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity in a healthcare organization, facility, or hospital nursing. For state employees, this experience is interpreted at the level of a Supervising Nurse.
Must possess and retain a Connecticut Registered Nurse license or a multistate or compact Registered Nurse license.
Incumbents serving as the Nurse Executive must possess a master’s degree in nursing, social or behavioral science, public health administration, health care administration, hospital administration, or a related field.
May be required to possess and retain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
May be required to travel.

Nice To Haves

BSN, MSN, or MHA.
Experience leading projects in support of quality patient care.
Experience demonstrating commitment to ANA Nursing Leadership Standards.
Experience taking initiative to lead teams in alignment with an organization’s mission and strategic plan.
Experience guiding CQIP initiatives through the PDCA cycle.
Experience using written and verbal communication to engage staff, leadership, and external partners effectively.
Experience using organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

Direct or assist with directing the nursing or clinical department’s staff and operations.
Plan and manage nursing or clinical activities and develop or assist with program goals and objectives.
Develop or assist with policies informed by current nursing or clinical research and recognized professional standards.
Develop or assist with care plans and interpret and administer pertinent laws.
Evaluate staff and prepare or assist with preparing budgets.
Maintain contacts with individuals inside and outside the department who may affect program activities.
Make rounds to assess nursing care quality and ensure care is provided safely.
Develop and implement programs to measure, assess, and improve the quality of nursing care, treatment, and services.
Oversee programs that improve facility personnel’s infection-control knowledge and practices.
Develop productive work teams, intervene in crises, and investigate unusual incidents.
Protect the human and civil rights of patients, clients, and staff.
Compile data, prepare periodic reports, and lead or participate in meetings.
Coordinate and provide 24-hour nursing coverage for the facility or assigned units.
Participate in staff recruitment and hiring, including outreach, interviewing, and selection.
May provide direct patient or client care, speak on behalf of nursing or clinical services, oversee other disciplines, and participate in strategic planning.