Director of Nursing (DON) - RTC

Overview

Director of Nursing (DON) RTC - Lakeland Behavioral Health SystemSpringfield, MO | Relocation Assistance Available

This is more than a Director of Nursing role. It's an opportunity to lead clinical excellence, develop exceptional nursing teams, and make a lasting impact at one of Missouri's leading behavioral healthcare organizations.

If you're a nursing leader who thrives on building strong teams, improving patient outcomes, and creating a culture of accountability and compassion, we invite you to explore this opportunity with Lakeland Behavioral Health System.

Lakeland Behavioral Health System is seeking an experienced and collaborative nursing leader to serve as our next Director of Nursing over the Residential Treatment Center. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll partner closely with the executive team, physicians, and clinical leaders to support outstanding patient care, strengthen nursing operations, mentor future leaders, and help advance the organization's mission of transforming lives through exceptional behavioral healthcare.

About Lakeland Behavioral Health System

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Lakeland Behavioral Health System has served as a trusted provider of behavioral healthcare for more than 30 years. The facility offers specialized inpatient, residential, and outpatient services for children, adolescents, adults, and senior adults facing mental health and behavioral health challenges. Lakeland is recognized for its individualized treatment approach, trauma-informed care, and commitment to helping patients and families achieve meaningful, lasting recovery.

As part of Acadia Healthcare, the nation's largest stand-alone behavioral healthcare provider, Lakeland combines the resources and support of a national organization with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the local facility level. 

Why Nursing Leaders Choose Lakeland BH

As Director of Nursing, you'll enjoy:

• A highly visible leadership role with direct influence on patient care and nursing practice
• Partnership with executive leadership, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams
• The opportunity to build, develop, and mentor nursing leaders and frontline staff
• A collaborative environment focused on quality, safety, and clinical excellence
• Access to corporate nursing leadership support and resources
• Professional growth opportunities within Acadia Healthcare's nationwide network
• The ability to make a meaningful impact on employee engagement, retention, and patient outcomes

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Leadership Development
• Support and mentorship from experienced behavioral health leaders
• Access to leadership training and professional development resources
• Opportunities to collaborate with nursing leaders across the Acadia network
• Exposure to behavioral healthcare best practices and innovative treatment models
• Participation in organization-wide quality and performance improvement initiatives

Career Growth

Whether your goal is to continue advancing as a Director of Nursing or prepare for future executive nursing leadership opportunities, we're committed to supporting your professional growth and long-term success.

• Comprehensive Rewards
• Relocation Assistance Available
• Competitive Compensation Package
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing Education and Leadership Development Opportunities
• Comprehensive Wellness Benefits

Your Impact

As Director of Nursing, you will provide operational and clinical leadership for nursing services throughout the hospital while ensuring the highest standards of patient care and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting nursing operations across the facility
• Developing, coaching, and mentoring nursing leaders and staff
• Driving clinical quality, patient safety, and performance improvement initiatives
• Ensuring compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, state, and regulatory standards
• Managing staffing effectiveness, scheduling strategies, and workforce planning
• Collaborating with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes
• Monitoring nursing-sensitive indicators and implementing action plans when needed
• Supporting employee engagement, retention, and succession planning efforts
• Promoting a culture of accountability, compassion, teamwork, and patient-centered care

The Leader We're Looking For

You may be the ideal fit if you:

• Inspire and develop high-performing nursing teams
• Lead with accountability, integrity, and empathy
• Have experience supporting behavioral health, psychiatric, or addiction recovery populations
• Balance strong clinical judgment with operational excellence
• Build trust and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
• Thrive in fast-paced healthcare environments
• Are passionate about improving patient outcomes and employee engagement
• View leadership as an opportunity to mentor others and create meaningful organizational impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher strongly preferred.
• Current registered nursing license in State of facility required
• 6 + years’ experience as a registered nurse preferred
• 3 years of registered nursing experience required.
• Two years of experience in behavioral health as a Registered Nurse preferred.
• One year experience in behavioral health/psychiatric/addiction recovery environment (inpatient or outpatient) or relatable experience required
• Prior DON or Nurse Manager experience preferred
• Two years of progressive leadership or management experience required

This is an outstanding opportunity for a nursing leader who wants to make a difference every day while helping shape the future of behavioral healthcare in Missouri. If you're ready to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impact as Director of Nursing at Lakeland Behavioral Health System, we'd love to connect with you.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the position, management reserves the right to add or remove duties as circumstances dictate.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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