Director of Nursing (DON) Lead with purpose. Shape outcomes. Transform lives. At KVC, nursing leadership is more than oversight—it is influence, accountability, and the ability to create meaningful change in the lives of children, families, and communities. As Director of Nursing, you will serve as the highest level of nursing leadership on site, driving clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and a culture grounded in compassion, collaboration, and innovation. We are proud to share our Indeed Work Wellbeing Score: 83 , reflecting a strong culture where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Position Summary The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for ensuring that all nursing care delivered on site is collaborative, compliant, and aligned with KVC’s mission. This role serves as the voice of nursing, a strategic partner to leadership, and a hands-on clinical leader who models excellence in psychiatric nursing care. You will influence everything from care delivery and staff development to process improvement and regulatory readiness—while fostering an environment where both patients and staff can thrive. Minimum Requirements Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing (required) Master of Science in Nursing or related field (preferred), or active enrollment in a master’s program with an approved education plan Licensure/Certification Active Registered Nurse license in the state of Kansas (required) ANCC Psychiatric Nursing Certification (preferred) Valid driver’s license and auto insurance (required) Experience Minimum of five years in a nursing management role (required) At least two years of psychiatric nursing experience or equivalent training (required) Skills Strong communication and interpersonal skills Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems What You Will Do Leadership and Strategy Serve as the Nursing Department Administrator and key liaison between nursing staff and executive leadership Lead, mentor, and develop nursing leadership and staff Drive a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability Partner with leadership to improve systems, workflows, and patient outcomes Clinical Excellence and Compliance Ensure adherence to evidence-based nursing practices and all regulatory standards (including The Joint Commission, CMS, and KDADS) Oversee infection control practices and reporting Maintain high standards for documentation, reporting, and clinical quality Ensure consistency across programs and readiness for audits and surveys Operations and Oversight Coordinate services with pharmacy, lab, radiology, and other ancillary providers Oversee staffing, scheduling, and nursing assignments Conduct performance evaluations and manage employee relations in partnership with HR Lead and participate in key committees and administrative meetings Staff Development and Culture Support recruitment, retention, and engagement of nursing staff Oversee training, onboarding, and continuing education Foster a strengths-based, solution-focused environment Model professionalism, ethical leadership, and fiscal responsibility Clinical Responsibilities Ensure appropriate patient transfers in compliance with EMTALA/COBRA regulations Review and evaluate clinical reports and outcomes Provide direct clinical support as needed, including charge or unit responsibilities Serve as on-call Site Administrator Our Values in Action KVC employees are expected to embody our core values: The heart of our work is helping people Our character is built on authenticity and compassion Family connection drives our culture Collaboration fuels improvement Urgency and innovation define our approach Diverse perspectives strengthen our progress You will be expected to lead by example—serving as a role model, focusing on solutions, and building on the strengths of those around you. Why This Role Matters This is not a traditional leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence systems, elevate care standards, and directly impact vulnerable populations. The decisions you make will shape patient outcomes, staff experiences, and the future of care delivery at KVC. If you are a strategic thinker, a clinical expert, and a leader who believes in accountability with compassion, this role offers both challenge and purpose.
