About this opportunity
Sacramento Behavioral Healthcare Hospital lists this Director of Nursing (DON) (SACRAMENTO) opportunity in sacramento, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Director of Nursing (DON)
Reports to (Title): Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Schedule: Full-time, Exempt
Pay Range: $150,000 - $200,000 annual
Description of Position: The Director of Nursing provides executive leadership for all inpatient and outpatient behavioral health nursing services, ensuring exceptional patient care, regulatory excellence, a thriving workforce, and a culture grounded in safety, compassion, and accountability. This role shapes clinical strategy, drives operational performance, and fosters an environment where patients, families, and employees feel valued and supported. The DON organizes and administers nursing services to achieve the facility's mission and objectives as established by the governing authority.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Experience & Clinical Excellence
Champion a patient‑centered, trauma‑informed model of care that prioritizes dignity, therapeutic engagement, and recovery
Organize programs, policies, and procedures to assess and meet the needs of patients across inpatient psychiatric services, outpatient clinics, and transitional programs
lan, supervise, and coordinate care delivered by RNs, LVNs, LPTs, and mental health workers
Ensure clear, concise, and current clinical policies and procedures that minimize risk and support high‑quality care
Monitor patient experience metrics and lead improvement initiatives that elevate communication, responsiveness, and therapeutic outcomes
Facilitate patient access to the appropriate level of care and setting
Quality, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation standards (e.g., CMS, Joint Commission)
Implement and annually review standards of nursing practice in behavioral healthcare
Lead continuous quality improvement efforts, including audits, dashboards, and corrective action plans
Oversee documentation standards and evidence‑based practice adoption to maintain high reliability
Perform all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors
Serve as executive sponsor for safety initiatives, including workplace violence prevention, de‑escalation training, and safe staffing practices
Ensure adherence to incident reporting and root cause analysis processes
Collaborate with facility leaders on organization‑wide performance improvement activities
Workforce Engagement, Development & Appreciation
Build a culture where staff feel respected, supported, and empowered to deliver exceptional care
Lead recruitment, retention, and workforce development strategies, including mentorship and competency programs
Promote shared governance and frontline involvement in decision‑making
Recognize and celebrate staff contributions through structured appreciation and transparent communication
Recommend personnel policy modifications to ensure reasonable hours, safe working conditions, and adequate staffing coverage
Leadership, Strategy, Finance & Organizational Influence
Provide strategic leadership for nursing operations, aligning clinical priorities with organizational goals and financial stewardship
Plan and assign staffing ratios based on patient needs, acuity, staff competency, and regulatory requirements
Develop and manage nursing budgets, staffing models, and resource allocation
Participate with the Governing Body, Management, Medical Staff, and Clinical Leaders in organizational decision‑making
Collaborate with the Vice President of Finance and service managers on budget planning for staffing, supplies, and equipment
Ensure cost controls to maximize effectiveness of departmental budgets
Recommend new facilities, equipment, or modifications needed to support patient care
Maintain strong relationships with executive peers, physicians, community partners, and regulatory bodies
Lead change management efforts that support innovation, operational efficiency, and long‑term sustainability
Uphold the organization's ethics and customer service standards
Requirements
Knowledge and Experience:
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Psychiatric/Mental Health, or related field (Doctorate preferred)
Five (5) years of prior experience in patient care services preferred; 7-10+ years of progressive nursing leadership experience in behavioral health or acute psychiatric settings strongly preferred
Demonstrated success in regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and operational leadership
Current and in good-standing, California Registered Nurse (RN) license
Current BLS certification
Current Handle with Care (HWC) certification (or obtained during orientation)
Skills and Abilities:
Maintains strict patient confidentiality
Sensitivity and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines
Demonstrated leadership, influence, and motivational abilities
Strong judgment, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, expanding organization
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, this position is frequently required to do the following:
Use standard office equipment and access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Use computer keyboard with manual and finger dexterity and wrist‑finger speed sufficient to perform repetitive actions efficiently for extended periods of time.
Communicate effectively in person or via telephone in a manner which can be understood by those with whom the person is speaking, including a diverse population.
Give and follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail and accuracy.
Perform complex mental functions and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies; collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information
Vision: see details of objects at close range
Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
Reach forward, up, down, and to the side.
Sit or stand for minimum periods of one hour at a time and come and go from the work area repeatedly throughout the day
Lift up to five (5) pounds
Benefits
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401k Retirement Plan
Healthcare Spending Account
Life Insurance
Supplemental Life, Term and Universal
Short and Long-Term Disability
PTO Plan
Discounted Meal Plans
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Worksite address
sacramento, CA, 95828, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.