Director of Nursing (DON)
Alpine Vista•Colorado Springs, CO
•Onsite
About The Position
The Director of Nursing (DON) provides strategic and operational leadership for all psychiatric nursing services within our inpatient behavioral health hospital. This role ensures the delivery of safe, ethical, trauma-informed, and evidence-based nursing care, while maintaining regulatory compliance, patient safety, and a strong culture of professional nursing practice.
Requirements
- Active, unrestricted RN license (state-specific)
- BSN required
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive nursing leadership experience, with preference for psychiatric or behavioral health settings
- Strong working knowledge of: Psychiatric nursing standards, Joint Commission and CMS behavioral health requirements, Patient safety and quality improvement principles
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a high-acuity behavioral health environment
- Must be 21 years of age or older
Nice To Haves
- MSN or higher preferred
- Experience in an inpatient psychiatric hospital
- Certification in psychiatric nursing or nursing leadership
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight for all inpatient psychiatric nursing operations, including staffing, scheduling, and resource utilization
- Ensure compliance with nursing practice standards, Joint Commission, CMS, state licensing, and behavioral health regulations
- Drive quality outcomes, patient safety initiatives, and reduction of adverse events
- Lead initiatives related to restraint and seclusion reduction, de-escalation practices, and therapeutic milieu management
- Collaborate closely with Medical Staff, Clinical Leadership, and interdisciplinary treatment teams
- Oversee nursing education, competencies, orientation, and ongoing professional development
- Lead nursing performance management, engagement, and retention strategies
- Ensure accurate clinical documentation and adherence to psychiatric nursing best practices
- Participate in accreditation readiness, audits, and continuous performance improvement activities
- Serve as a clinical leader and escalation resource for complex patient care issues
Benefits
- Multiple medical plan options
- Vista Wellness (physician/pharmacy)
- Dental
- Vision
- Generous PTO
- Paid holidays
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Life and disability coverage
- Tuition reimbursement up to $15,000
- Student loan forgiveness programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
