Director of Nursing

Job Title: Director of Nursing (DON) – Correctional Healthcare

Location: Gaston County Jail (Gastonia, NC)

Reporting To: Health Services Administrator (HSA)

Direct Reports: Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Position Overview

Reserve Health is seeking a Director of Nursing (DON) to lead nursing operations at the Gaston County Jail. Reporting directly to the Health Services Administrator (HSA), the DON oversees clinical excellence, shift coverage, and staff development across all RN and LPN team members. This role demands strong clinical judgment, proactive leadership, and a commitment to providing compassionate, compliant healthcare within a secure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational & Team Leadership: Manage day-to-day nursing operations, including shift scheduling, roster coverage, recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluations for RNs and LPNs.
• Clinical Management & Crisis Response: Lead emergency medical responses and crisis interventions. Collaborate with facility physicians to develop care plans, conduct health assessments, and oversee inmate treatment.
• Regulatory Compliance & Policy: Enforce facility protocols to meet federal, state, and local correctional healthcare regulations. Assist with accreditation audits and quality assurance inspections.
• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Work seamlessly with correctional officers, mental health providers, and external healthcare specialists to coordinate comprehensive inmate care.
• Quality Improvement: Drive patient safety and healthcare quality initiatives to improve clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Patient Education & Advocacy: Oversee inmate health management programs (e.g., chronic disease management, substance abuse education) while upholding ethical practices and patient confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required.
• Licensure: Active, unencumbered RN license in North Carolina required.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of nursing experience, including a leadership/management role. Prior experience in a correctional facility strongly preferred.
• Skills:
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, schedule, and mentor a nursing team.
  • Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and emergency response skills.
  • Knowledge of NC correctional healthcare standards and compliance requirements.
  • Clear communication, conflict resolution, and budget management skills.

Working Conditions

Work is performed inside a secure correctional facility. The role requires physical mobility, adherence to strict security procedures, potential exposure to infectious diseases, and the ability to respond to urgent facility needs outside standard shift hours when necessary.