Director of Nursing

Ascension Recovery Services • Morgantown, WV

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Nursing (DON) serves as a senior member of the treatment team for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions. This leadership role is responsible for directing all nursing operations within the facility, ensuring clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and effective team-based care. The DON manages nursing staff, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, and ensures high standards of safety, infection control, and trauma-informed service delivery.

Requirements

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• At least 2 years of clinical experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder (SUD), or acute psychiatric care settings.
• Leadership experience in a healthcare or behavioral health setting, including supervision of nursing staff, performance management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments and monitors high-risk medical indicators related to substance use and withdrawal.
• Applies evidence-based nursing protocols in detoxification, medication administration, infection control, and chronic care management.
• Ensures adherence to physician orders and facilitates safe, effective care transitions.
• Maintains expert knowledge of federal and state regulations governing behavioral health and SUD care (e.g., HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Joint Commission).
• Ensures nursing documentation, medication records, and care plans meet licensing and accreditation standards.
• Actively participates in audits, incident reviews, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Effectively leads nursing teams, including supervision, coaching, conflict resolution, and staff development.
• Coordinates staffing to maintain appropriate coverage, acuity-based care delivery, and continuity across shifts.
• Provides direct oversight of nursing competency evaluations and performance reviews.
• Serves as an engaged member of the treatment team, contributing medical insight to care planning and discharge processes.
• Collaborates with physicians, therapists, case managers, and administrative staff to deliver integrated, person-centered care.
• Liaises with outside medical providers and community agencies for continuity and coordination of guest services.
• Promotes a trauma-informed, empathetic, and respectful environment for guests and staff.
• Champions recovery-oriented practices, cultural humility, and non-stigmatizing care across all nursing operations.
• Responds to behavioral escalations with professionalism and compassion.
• Manages nursing workflows, medication systems, infection prevention, and medical supply inventory.
• Implements systems for communication, handoffs, and critical incident response.
• Ensures readiness for emergency situations, including medical crises or patient elopement.
• Maintains licensure, certifications, and participates in ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrates ethical leadership, personal accountability, and commitment to the organization’s mission.
• Upholds confidentiality, safety, and patient rights in all aspects of the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day nursing leadership and foster a therapeutic milieu within the unit.
• Manage nursing staff schedules; ensure adequate shift coverage and provide direct coverage when needed.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards (including Joint Commission where applicable).
• Assess patient medical and behavioral health needs, including high-risk indicators, and document assessments in the EMR.
• Lead interdisciplinary collaboration on care planning and ongoing treatment interventions.
• Oversee Medication Administration Record (MAR) reviews and reconciliation with pharmacy records.
• Deliver direct nursing services including assessments, interventions, and discharge coordination.
• Serve as liaison between the facility, community providers, and family members for continuity of care.
• Supervise and evaluate the competency of all nursing staff; coordinate training and performance development.
• Monitor daily patient documentation for accuracy and compliance with policy and payer requirements.
• Conduct internal audits and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain licensure, certifications, and participate in ongoing professional development and performance reviews.
• Execute other duties and projects as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior