Role: Interim Director of Nursing (DON)
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Position Type: Interim / Contract
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Interim Director of Nursing (DON) to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the nursing department at a behavioral health hospital. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, staff development, and efficient day-to-day nursing operations. The Interim DON will collaborate closely with executive leadership to maintain clinical excellence, patient safety, and organizational performance while supporting the hospital's mission and values.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide 24/7 leadership, direction, and accountability for all nursing operations.
- Lead and supervise nursing staff, ensuring the delivery of safe, compassionate, and evidence-based behavioral healthcare.
- Develop, implement, and enforce nursing policies, procedures, and clinical standards.
- Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels, workforce planning, and resource allocation.
- Recruit, mentor, coach, and evaluate nursing leaders and clinical staff.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Monitor quality metrics, patient outcomes, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Foster a culture of patient safety, teamwork, accountability, and service excellence.
- Collaborate with physicians, department leaders, and executive management to improve operational efficiency and patient care.
- Lead problem-solving initiatives, conflict resolution, and process improvement efforts.
- Ensure all nursing staff maintain required licensure, certifications, mandatory education, and competency requirements.
- Serve as a key member of the hospital leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
Required Qualifications:
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana, Texas, or a Compact State.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of progressive nursing leadership experience in an acute care or behavioral health hospital, including Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, Unit Coordinator, or Director-level responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of behavioral health nursing practices, regulatory standards, accreditation requirements, and quality improvement.
- Current CPR, ACLS, and PALS certifications, as applicable.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience serving as an Interim Director of Nursing or Nursing Executive.
- Behavioral Health or Psychiatric Hospital leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Experience leading regulatory surveys, accreditation readiness, and performance improvement initiatives.