The Director of Nursing plays a central role in the medical and clinical care of clients at our residential disordered eating program. Working 40 hours per week, the RN provides direct nursing care with a specialized focus on the complex medical and nutritional needs of clients with eating disorders including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, and co-occurring conditions. The RN works closely with the Medical Director, Registered Dieticians, Diet Techs and clinical care team to ensure safe, compassionate, and evidence-informed care. In addition to direct care responsibilities, the RN oversees and supervises Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) on the medical team, providing guidance, training, and oversight to ensure consistency and quality across nursing practice.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Active and unrestricted Director of Nursing license in the state of California Minimum of two years of nursing experience, with at least one year in a behavioral health, eating disorder, or residential treatment setting Demonstrated knowledge of the medical complications associated with eating disorders including refeeding syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac complications, malnutrition, and GI dysfunction Experience supervising or overseeing LVNs, CNAs, or other medical support staff Current CPR/First Aid certification Completed TB test and health screening prior to start date Valid California driver's license and clean DMV record in accordance with company insurance requirements Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in a residential eating disorder treatment program Familiarity with medical nutrition therapy protocols and coordination with registered dietitians Experience with meal support and structured eating protocols in a residential or PHP setting Knowledge of ARFID, OSFED, and co-occurring psychiatric presentations in eating disorder populations Certification in eating disorder treatment (CEDS-S or equivalent) or willingness to pursue
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Nursing Care
- Conduct nursing assessments on admission and on an ongoing basis, with attention to the medical complications specific to eating disorder diagnoses Monitor and document vital signs, weight, fluid intake and output, and physical symptoms with particular attention to signs of refeeding syndrome, bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, and electrolyte disturbance Administer medications as prescribed and monitor clients for medication reactions or side effects Assist clients with self-administered medications via monitoring as directed by the Medical Director or Nurse Practitioner Administer TB tests on clients upon intake and maintain related documentation Conduct and document regular nursing rounds Respond to medical emergencies and coordinate with emergency services as needed Coordinate and assist in scheduling medical, dental, psychiatric, and specialist appointments for clients in collaboration with the care team
Eating Disorder-Specific Responsibilities
- Provide medical monitoring and support during structured meal times in coordination with the clinical and nutrition teams Collaborate with the registered dietitian and clinical team on nutritional rehabilitation protocols and refeeding plans Monitor clients for medical complications related to malnutrition, purging behaviors, laxative misuse, and excessive exercise Communicate medical findings to the treatment team in a timely manner, particularly any changes in physical status that may impact level of care Support clients in understanding the medical impact of their eating disorder through psychoeducation in a trauma-informed, non-stigmatizing manner Document medically necessary observations that support continued stay and level of care justification
LVN Supervision & Team Leadership
- Directly supervise LVNs on the nursing team, providing daily oversight, guidance, and support Ensure LVNs are performing within their scope of practice and in accordance with facility protocols Train new and existing LVNs and medical support staff on company procedures, medication protocols, vital sign monitoring, and eating disorder-specific care considerations Conduct performance check-ins and provide feedback to LVNs; communicate concerns to the Director of Healthcare as needed Create and maintain training resources for non-medical staff regarding medications, vitals, and eating disorder signs and symptoms Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings and contribute nursing perspective to client care planning Provide oversight and supervision of overnight Treatment Technicians, ensuring continuity of client care, adherence to facility protocols, and appropriate escalation of medical or behavioral concerns during overnight hours
Medication Management & Documentation
- Oversee, audit, and maintain accurate records of all observed, inventoried, prescribed, and destroyed medications Manage medication observation record sheets and electronic documentation systems Educate and counsel clients and healthcare team members on optimal and safe medication use Assess clients with undiagnosed or diagnosed conditions and assist in clinical medication management in collaboration with the Nurse Practitioner, psychiatric team, and Medical Director Ensure all nursing documentation meets DSS, DHCS, and applicable regulatory standards
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers and handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at-will relationship.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience working with ED clients?
- Can you commute to Santa Ana?
- Do you have a valid drivers license?
Work Location: In person
