Director of Nursing
How this pay compares
This posting does not state an hourly rate. Directors of nursing employed in Arkansas earn a median of $45.35 an hour (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025) (source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics).
Directors of nursing in Arkansas: pay by town and employer
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About the job
Director of Nursing - Behavioral Healthcare
Make a Lasting Impact on Young Lives
Are you passionate about transforming the lives of children and teenagers struggling with mental health challenges? Join our dedicated team at Perimeter Behavioral of Forrest City, Arkansas, where we're committed to providing premier behavioral healthcare that treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
About Us
We are a leading residential behavioral health facility specializing in inpatient psychiatric treatment for youth. Our patient-centered, collaborative approach combines mental health care with physical wellbeing to deliver comprehensive, life-changing results.
Your Impact
The Director of Nursing (DON) leads our nursing and milieu services, ensuring excellence in patient care through strategic planning, quality improvement, and team leadership. This key leadership position oversees all nursing operations while maintaining Joint Commission standards and regulatory compliance.
Our Values (CARE)
- Compassion: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for our actions and outcomes
- Respect: Honoring the dignity of every individual
- Empowerment: Supporting growth and independence
Core Responsibilities:
Core Competencies
- Strong clinical and leadership abilities
- Excellence in written and verbal communication
- Demonstrated crisis management skills
- Proficiency in budget management
- Experience with healthcare regulations
- Cultural competency expertise
Clinical Excellence
- Direct nursing services in alignment with The Joint Commission standards and psychiatric nursing best practices
- Develop and implement quality improvement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accreditation standards
- Oversee infection control protocols and safety measures
- Provide clinical consultation and support across departments
Team Leadership
- Recruit, train, and retain qualified nursing staff
- Create and manage staffing patterns for Nursing staff, that optimize patient care
- Conduct performance evaluations and competency assessments
- Foster professional development opportunities
- Mentor nursing leadership team members
Administrative Oversight
- Manage departmental budget and resources
- Develop and update nursing policies and procedures
- Generate statistical reports for executive leadership
- Coordinate with interdisciplinary teams
- Maintain administrative oversight in CEO's absence
- Participate in strategic planning initiatives
Quality and Safety
- Lead quality improvement initiatives
- Monitor patient care outcomes
- Ensure proper medication management
- Oversee incident reporting and resolution
- Maintain compliance with safety protocols
Ideal Qualifications
Education & Licensure
- Graduate degree from an accredited nursing program
- Active Arkansas RN or Multi State license in good standing
- Current CPR certification
- Master's degree in nursing or healthcare-related field preferred
Experience
- Minimum 2 years psychiatric clinical experience with children/adolescents
- Demonstrated nursing management experience
- Background in behavioral health leadership
- Experience with The Joint Commission accreditation processes
Work Schedule
- Full-time leadership position
- Flexible hours including some evenings/weekends
- On-call responsibilities
- Ability to adjust schedule for crisis response
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds
- Physical capability to assist in crisis interventions
- Extended periods of standing/walking
- Manual dexterity for clinical procedures
Work Environment
- Residential treatment setting
- Fast-paced healthcare environment
- Exposure to challenging patient behaviors
- Moderate noise levels
- Occasional local travel required
What We Offer
Competitive Compensation
Work-Life Balance -Generous paid time off, Flexible scheduling options, Supportive team environment
Comprehensive Benefits Package - Health insurance, Dental coverage, Vision care, Life insurance, 401(k) with company match, Optional supplemental insurance plans
Why Choose Perimeter Healthcare?
We're one of the leading mental and behavioral healthcare providers, offering comprehensive treatment programs across multiple states and care settings. Our commitment to excellence and patient-centered care creates an environment where you can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Join Our Inclusive Team
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our mission of delivering hope and healing to those who need it most.
#INDFC
From Perimeter Healthcare's job posting, checked 4 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Perimeter Healthcare
Perimeter Healthcare hires mental health staff, nurses and advanced practice providers in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee and Alabama.
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