What does a Nursing Administrator do?

A Nursing Administrator, also known as a Nursing Manager, is a healthcare professional who is responsible for overseeing and coordinating various aspects of patient care to ensure the well-being of their patients. 

At Discovery Behavioral Health, we serve those struggling with substance use, mental health or eating disorders. And as one of our Nursing Administrators, you will contribute directly to ensuring that we bring access to care to as many people as possible. 

Learn more about Nursing Administrators and…

• their responsibilities,
• key elements of the role,
• and the differences between nursing administrators and managers. 

What are the elements of Nursing Administration?

Clinical care 

A solid foundation and understanding of clinical care ensures nursing administrators at DBH are able to provide care that aligns with the highest standards of patient safety, quality, and ethical considerations. At DBH, compassionate and evidence-based clinical care is our mission and informs how we treat our patients. 

We value a culture of caring not only for our nearly 4,000 patients across the United States – that care extends to each and every one of our 3,000+ employees. 

Coordination 

Coordination is a crucial aspect of being a Nursing Administrator as it ensures seamless and efficient operations. You will be coordinating with various healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, and therapist staff, so the ability to communicate clearly and well is pivotal to this role. 

As a nursing administrator at Discovery, you can expect to work with and treat people from all walks of life. We are striving to elevate diverse perspectives, foster inclusivity and embrace equity amongst our staff and patients. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies are in place to promote environments that are welcoming and affirming of race, ability, gender identity, experience, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and faith. 

Professionalism and leadership 

As a Nursing Administrator, you will be managing staff, so adhering to professional standards helps to foster a culture of care and trust. We know our employees work hard at DBH, which is why we make sure to provide an encouraging culture for everyone. 

You will also be a leader who inspires your team to deliver exceptional patient care by leading by example, supporting and encouraging development and growth, and maintaining a positive environment. We value our employees and actively find ways to help them advance their careers and you will be empowering your team to do the same. 

What is the role of a Nursing Administrator? 

Responsibilities and duties can vary depending on your location, the type of clinics you work for, and the types of patients you are treating. Generally speaking, here is what you can expect in the role of a Nursing Administrator: 

Clinical Care 

• Completing History & Physical exams (H&P) upon admission for each client - you will play a crucial role in ensuring comprehensive and accurate assessments of each client's health status. 
• Developing and initiating the Nursing Care Plan - this role involves taking the lead in crafting effective care plans that address the unique needs of each patient. 
• Consulting with the physician and psychiatrist to ensure appropriate medical interventions - at Discovery, we strive to meet our patient’s needs holistically and collaborating with other medical professionals ensures those needs are met. 
• Meeting with each client, completing a daily assessment, and administering all prescription medication - building strong relationships with your patients will demonstrate your commitment to their ongoing treatment. 

Coordination 

• Implementing Physician Orders - this role acts as a crucial link between the Physician and patients as you will be actioning the Physician's orders. 
• Availability for consultation after hours and returning telephone calls/pages - your commitment to being available when needed highlights your dedication to patients' welfare, providing reassurance to both patients and staff.
• Meeting regularly with medical staff to discuss client treatment - this ensures the seamless coordination of treatment plans, maximizing the effectiveness of patient care.
• Responsibility for carrying out any orders received from the physician and psychiatrist, and reporting information to the Program Director and Facility - you will strive to maintain a transparent and efficient healthcare system through communication and collaboration. 

Professionalism and leadership 

• Understanding the therapeutic process and confidentiality laws, and having strong knowledge of professional ethics - you will uphold the highest standards of patient care and privacy.
• Demonstrating leadership abilities, with an ability to communicate with persons from all educational and cultural backgrounds - your leadership skills will shine as you foster collaboration among diverse teams, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive healthcare environment.
• Demonstrating tact, initiative, resourcefulness, a professional manner, enthusiasm, and a non-judgmental attitude - your attitude and demeanor play a significant role in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for patients and colleagues alike, amplifying the impact of your contributions. 

What is the difference between a Nursing Manager and a Nursing Administrator? 

Nursing Administrators focus on the coordination of nursing services to ensure effective patient care delivery. This role is more holistic in the sense that they consider the mission of the healthcare organization and work to align nursing services with broader goals. 

Whereas, Nursing Managers focus on the day-to-day operations of nursing units such as handling staff scheduling, managing resources, and providing support to nursing staff. 

These titles are often used interchangeably as there are areas of overlap in the responsibilities of each. However, both roles are vital in ensuring the successful functioning of nursing departments.

Change lives with compassionate treatment as a Nursing Administrator at DBH 

If nursing is your calling and you are passionate about changing lives through compassionate treatment and evidence-based clinical care, Discovery Behavioral Health could be the place for you. 

At Discovery, we invest in our employees so that they can carve out a flourishing and significant career. Ready to apply? Explore our Nursing Administration jobs.