Director of Nursing (DON)
Listed compensation
$53-$55/hr
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
NaphCare is hiring an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to join our team of medical professionals in the Arizona Department of Corrections - Tucson in Tucson, AZ.
Pay rates range from $53.00 to $55.00 per hour based on shift, site needs, hire status, and experience.
As a Correctional Director of Nursing (DON), you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical personnel to provide care to the incarcerated individuals in residence. Working within a controlled environment, where security is top priority and the days are never dull, you will have a variety of duties to keep you engaged. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex medical and dental needs.
Responsibilities
The Director of Nursing is instrumental in fostering a positive work environment for all nurses and support staff. You will lead by example and set clear expectations and direction for their work, communicate practice changes, advocate for nursing needs, offer guidance and support, collaborate with other staff members and be involved in recruiting, coaching and mentoring new nursing staff.
The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for overseeing nursing and support staff and clinical operations. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:
- Collaborating with medical and mental health teams to enhance quality patient care
- Leading Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities
- Managing nursing operations, resources, budgets, and staffing schedules
- Ensuring staff adhere to current and new policies and procedures and company Code of Conduct
- Monitoring staffing needs and helping to recruit new staff
- Conducting educational classes and training staff on new procedures/policies
Mitigating risks by proactively addressing potential hazards, including dangerous work conditions, health and safety concerns and reporting issues to company leadership and facility management.
Qualifications
- Experience / Requirements / Qualifications
- Holds a current, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse within the state
- Must possess an active BLS/CPR Certification (AHA required)
- Three years of clinical and progressive management experience in a government or private organization related to comprehensive medical, dental, and mental healthcare services within a correctional healthcare or acute care setting
- Ability to manage complex staffing matrices and clinical supplies
Excellent communication skills with proven experience leading, managing, and coaching medical staff through complex Human Resource issues and challenges.
Knowledge of nursing practice principles and techniques, occupational health and safety standards, infectious disease management, applicable health care laws, regulations, and procedures for direct health care services.
Ability to interact effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health or substance abuse issues
Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening
Physical Capabilities
Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.
Why Join NaphCare?
NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.
NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include
- Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
- Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
- Lowest Cost Benefits!
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
- 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
- Tuition Assistance
- Referral bonuses
- Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
- Generous paid time off & paid holidays
Free Continuing Education and CMEs
- Want a better idea of what it’s like to work in a jail? See what our LPNs do:
- NaphCare - Life as an RN - YouTube
- If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.
- Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran
- Follow Us: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Advancing Correctional Healthcare | NaphCare
Qualifications
- Education
- Professional certificate or licensure
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Correctional Healthcare — Registered Nurse Career Context
Of the 50 active Nursing Leadership listings this role was benchmarked against, 32% are remote, 58% have no call, 92% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for Arizona is 100.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$112k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $112k in an average-cost state. 60.3% of Arizona clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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