Director Nursing Services (DNS/DON)

Confidential; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Job summary

The Confidential healthcare facility seeks a Director of Nursing Services (DNS/DON) to lead clinical operations in a behavioral health inpatient setting. You will ensure patient outcomes, compliance with CMS Title 22, and oversee nursing staff including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.

Strong leadership, budget management, and survey readiness are essential. Competitive pay between $180k and $200k plus benefits, with dedicated work resources and a focus on safety, recovery, and respect for patients and

Qualifications

• Current RN license in good standing with the State.
• BSN preferred.
• 3 years nursing experience in skilled nursing or long-term care inpatient setting.
• 2 years as a Director of Nursing, Assistant DON, or Nurse Manager as an RN.
• Proven track record of improving clinical quality measures.
• Experience managing a nursing department budget, staffing, and payroll.
• Successfully led survey processes with minimal deficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all clinical departments.
• Lead and mentor nurses and CNAs.
• Manage state, federal, and Plans of Correction as needed.
• Collaborate with the Administrator and Medical Director on budgets, staffing, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor clinical metrics (seclusion/restraint rates, patient falls, medication errors, readmissions) and drive improvement.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation for evaluations, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures aligned with recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care.
• Coordinate with community providers, crisis teams, and case management for continuity of care.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Staff mentorship

Clinical quality improvement

De-escalation techniques

Education

RN license (state)

BSN preferred

Tools

Electronic health records

Job description

Title: Director Nursing Services (DNS/DON)
Status:Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To:Executive Director/Administrator
Pay Range: $180k-$200k annually

THE ROLE

You will lead with both heart and discipline. That means keeping every patient's clinical and behavioral outcomes at the center of decisions, staying ahead of state and federal psychiatric regulations, and creating a workplace where psychiatric nurses and mental health techs want to stay. Patients, families, and surveyors will see a well‑run clinical operation – and you will be the reason.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE FACILITY

• THE FOUNDATION
  • Current, unencumberedRegistered Nurse (RN) license issued bythe State.
  • License in good standing with no active probation or substantiated violations.
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program (BSN preferred).
• THE JOURNEY
  • Minimum3 years of nursing experience in a skilled nursing or long‑term care inpatient setting.
  • Minimum2 years as a Director of Nursing, Assistant DON, or Nurse Manager as a RN.
  • Proven track record of improving clinical quality measures, improving patient outcomes).
  • Experience managing a nursing department budget, staffing, and payroll.
  • Successfully led survey processes with minimal deficiencies.
• THE CRAFT
  • Deep fluency inCMS Conditions of Participation, Title 22, and applicable state regulations.
  • Strong understanding of assessment, intervention, and de‑escalation techniques.
  • Staff development: train, mentor, and retain RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.
  • Proficiency with electronic health records and documentation systems.
• THE CHARACTER
  • Calm, authoritative presence during a crisis, survey, or regulatory audit.
  • Treats all clinical and non‑clinical staff as equal partners in patient care.
  • Handles family and patient concerns with empathy, sound judgment, and informative communication.
  • Passion for building a culture of safety, recovery, and respect for every patient and staff member.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Oversee all clinical departments:.
• Lead and mentor nurses and CNAs.
• Manage state, federal, and Plans of Correction as needed.
• Collaborate with the Administrator and Medical Director on budgets, staffing, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor clinical metrics (seclusion/restraint rates, patient falls, medication errors, readmissions) and drive improvement.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation for all evaluations, treatment plans, and discharge summaries.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with recovery‑oriented, trauma‑informed care.
• Coordinate with community providers, crisis teams, and case management for continuity of care.

BENEFITS & BEYOND

We offer a competitive package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• And much more (details provided upon offer)

WORK‑LIFE SEPARATION

As the Director of Nursing in a behavioral health inpatient setting, you are the clinical leader and must be available to respond to urgent matters at any time. That is the nature of the role. At the same time, we believe in a healthy boundary between your personal pursuits and professional responsibilities. You will receive adedicated work phoneandlaptop– so you never have to use your personal devices for work. When an issue arises, you use the work phone. When there is no active issue, you are not expected to monitor your personal devices for work. This separation allows you to be fully responsive when needed, without work bleeding into your personal space or privacy.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The expected pay range for this role is as stated above.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.