Director of Nursing (DON) - Montana State Hospital

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has a career opportunity within the Montana State Hospital.

The Montana State Hospital (MSH) is the only public psychiatric hospital in the state of Montana. MSH provides inpatient psychiatric treatment for adults with serious mental illness. The MSH Director of Nursing (DON) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the MSH with matrix reports to the Healthcare Facilities Division Chief Nursing Officer for DPHHS. This role administers, manages, and organizes activities for the provision of patient care services. The MSH DON leads, collaborates, integrates, facilitates, and evaluates the development and maintenance of professional nursing practice. Serves as liaison and facilitates collaboration between the medical staff and nursing services. Develops hospital goals, policies, and procedures with other hospital executives and is an active participant in the hospital quality safety and strategic planning governing bodies.

The MSH DON will engage nursing leaders and staff in the establishment of a professional nursing culture that advances nursing practice to deliver high quality patient care, attain clinical outcomes, and ensure a positive patient experience. Ensures the Nurse-Physician dyad model of inter-professional collaboration is promoted from the executive to the unit level.

Why Join DPHHS

Our mission at DPHHS is to serve Montanans in their communities to improve and protect the health, safety, and well-being, and to empower independence. By joining our department, you will have the opportunity to perform meaningful work in public service to our state and its residents.

The State of Montana's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, work/life balance, and eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. In addition, DPHHS is the largest state agency with a wide range of advancement opportunities whether you are joining the workforce or have several years of experience.

Qualifications for this Career Opportunity

• Extensive knowledge of Nursing in a psychiatric setting.
• Ability to maintain up to date on regulations and best practices within the nursing field.
• Ability to research, compile, and analyze data from multiple sources to identify and resolve a wide variety of issues and problems.
• Ability to be understanding and remain non-confrontational, while maintaining focus, demeanor, and composure in dealing with individuals with differing points of view.
• Conforms to the Code of Professional Nurses.
• Understands the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act of Montana. Maintains knowledge of contemporary professional nursing practice within the Act.
• Meet minimum qualifications:
• Master's degree in nursing is required.
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Montana or able to attain licensure in the State of Montana prior to the first day of work.
• 5 year's related work experience in psychiatric or mental health.

How to Apply

To be considered for a DPHHS position, submit the following required documents with your application on the State of Montana Careers website. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploaded correctly to your application for this position.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References

Successful applicants will be subject to background checks relevant to the position and must pass reference checks before an offer will be extended. DPHHS is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a copy of the full job description or if you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact DPHHS Human Resources listed below.

Additional Information

This position may be eligible for a statutory 4% an hour base pay increase effective July 1, 2024.

This position may be eligible for moving and relocation reimbursement. Specific conditions will be provided by the supervisor and must adhere to DPHHS policy.

This position is open until filled with frequent screening of applicants.

This position is classified as A9B01E Health Services Executive.