Director of Nursing (Detox & Residential)
About Us
Bridgecrest Recovery is a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center being built in Dubuque, Iowa, to serve individuals and families across Iowa and the Tri-State region. We will open with medically monitored detox (withdrawal management) and residential treatment, with partial hospitalization (PHP) planned as we grow. We are in the final stage of Iowa state licensure and will partner first with Iowa Medicaid's managed care plans, followed by commercial payers.
Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for people affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions, and to build a team culture grounded in safety, dignity, accountability, and long-term recovery.
Why Join Bridgecrest Recovery
Build From the Ground Up: Serve as our founding nursing leader and shape the nursing program, protocols, and culture from day one.
Lead Safe Withdrawal Management: Own the nursing side of medically monitored detox, the part of our program where clinical excellence matters most.
Collaborative Leadership: Work as part of a small founding team with the Executive Director, Medical Director, and Clinical Director.
Role Description
The Director of Nursing will lead all nursing services at Bridgecrest Recovery across detox (withdrawal management) and residential care. This role is responsible for building and leading a 24/7 nursing team, implementing withdrawal management and medication protocols with the Medical Director, and ensuring nursing practice is safe, well documented, and ready for state licensing, payer, and accreditation review. The Director of Nursing will play a central role in pre-opening readiness and in the first licensing inspection.
Location: Dubuque, Iowa (on-site)
Reports to: Executive Director
Nursing Leadership & Withdrawal Management
Lead day-to-day nursing operations for detox and residential programs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Implement and oversee withdrawal management protocols (e.g., CIWA-Ar, COWS) and standing orders developed with the Medical Director.
Oversee nursing assessments, vital-sign monitoring, medication administration, and escalation of medically unstable patients, including emergency transfers.
Support medications for opioid and alcohol use disorder (MOUD/MAUD) and coordinate with prescribers, pharmacy, and lab partners.
Team Building & Supervision
Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and schedule RNs, LPNs, and nursing support staff across all shifts.
Provide clinical supervision, competency validation, and performance feedback.
Build a nursing culture centered on patient safety, dignity, teamwork, and trauma-informed care.
Policy, Compliance & Quality
Develop and maintain nursing policies, procedures, and documentation standards that reflect Iowa licensure rules, payer requirements, and accreditation standards.
Oversee medication management practices, including controlled substance storage, counts, reconciliation, and disposal.
Lead infection control, incident reporting, medication error review, and nursing quality improvement.
Prepare the nursing department for state licensing inspection, audits, and accreditation surveys.
Pre-Opening & Launch Support
Help set up the nursing station, medication room, supplies, EHR nursing workflows, and emergency equipment.
Establish relationships with pharmacy, laboratory, and local hospital/emergency partners.
Train all staff on medical emergency response, overdose response (naloxone), and withdrawal warning signs.
Minimum Qualifications
Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Iowa, or a multistate RN license under the Nurse Licensure Compact, issued in accordance with Iowa Board of Nursing requirements.
3+ years of nursing experience in substance use treatment, detox/withdrawal management, psychiatric, or behavioral health settings.
2+ years of nursing leadership or supervisory experience (charge nurse, nurse manager, ADON, DON, or equivalent).
Hands-on experience with withdrawal monitoring tools and protocols (CIWA-Ar, COWS, or similar).
Current BLS/CPR certification.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher.
Experience in an ASAM Level 3.7 (medically monitored withdrawal management) or Level 3.5 residential program.
Experience opening a new program, unit, or facility.
Experience with state licensure inspections, Joint Commission or CARF accreditation, and Iowa Medicaid MCO documentation requirements.
Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) or psychiatric-mental health nursing certification.
Experience with MOUD/MAUD (buprenorphine, naltrexone) and controlled substance management.
Work Conditions
Full-time, primarily weekday schedule with on-call availability and flexibility to support a 24/7 program.
Participation in pre-opening planning and licensing readiness as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive pay, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package.
Final compensation will be based on experience, licensure, and overall fit for the role.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Bridgecrest Recovery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. People in recovery are encouraged to apply.