Qualifications 

Must have one of the minimum educational requirements below:

            Master’s degree in psychiatric or mental health nursing

            Master’s degree in a related field such as psychology or nursing education and 5 years' experience and 3                 years providing nursing care to the mentally ill

            Bachelor’s, associate degree or diploma in nursing with documented evidence of educational program                    focused on treating psychiatric patients.  At least 5 years of nursing experience, 3 years of which were                      providing nursing care to the mentally ill, OR receive regular documented supervision/consultation from a              Master’s prepared psychiatric nurse.

Responsible for providing nurse leadership in the 24-hour nursing care delivery system and clinical programming of the hospital.  The hospital’s model for nursing care will be compatible and reflect the ANA standards for psychiatric-mental health service provision.

The DON’s responsibilities include working collaboratively with the Director of Social Services in the development and implementation of a high-quality treatment program, overall management of the hospital and supervision of nursing staff.

Serves as hospital’s Infection Control Nurse.

Functions as the liaison between the program staff and medical staff of the hospital.

Works with Administrator in budget formulation and staffing guidelines to ensure provision of professional nursing services to meet patient needs. Adopts and participates in the hospital-wide QAPI plan.  Has firm understanding of standards and ensures important processes and activities are measured, assessed, improved and reported.      

Adopts and participates in the hospital-wide QAPI plan.  Has firm understanding of standards and ensures important processes and activities are measured, assessed, improved and reported.      

Assures nursing participates in the development of the Master Treatment Plan in coordination with the multidisciplinary treatment team. 

Interprets and facilitates appropriate nursing action in response to administrative directives and a changing healthcare environment.

Performs other duties and special projects as required.

Assures nursing staff documents thorough and accurate Nursing Assessment on all new patients admitted.

Assures that nursing staff administers individual nursing care as ordered by the physician.

Assures that nursing staff provides individual patient education as ordered by the physician.

Assures nursing staff completes timely and accurate clinical documentation for all nursing services provided. 

Assures nursing staff effectively manages medication administration, monitoring and storage on a daily basis.

Assures nursing staff attends weekly treatment team meetings with input into patient treatment planning.