Clinical nurse manager - inpatient behavioral health - 40 hours | day shift | $25k sign on bonus

Day Kimball Health is seeking a Nurse Manager to join our Inpatient Behavioral Health department in Putnam, Connecticut. If you're looking for a rewarding healthcare career with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Exemption Status: Exempt

Locations: Putnam, CT

Hours: 40 hours per week

Schedule: Day Shift

This position is offering a $25,000 sign-on bonus for eligible candidates.

Benefits & Perks

Employees regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Earned Time Off (ETO), paid holidays, and sick time
• Paid Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with eligible employer contributions
• Educational Assistance & Student Loan Reimbursement – Up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
• Pay-for-Performance opportunities
• Career Growth, Leadership Development, and Mentorship
• Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Wellness Programs, Recognition Events, Food Truck Fridays, and Weekly Pay

Nurse Manager Summary:

As the Nurse Manager, you will lead the day-to-day operations of the Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, and compassionate patient care. You will provide clinical and administrative leadership, oversee staff performance and development, promote collaboration across disciplines, and support operational excellence. As a visible and approachable leader, you will foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and professional growth while representing Day Kimball Health's mission and values in every interaction.

Nurse Manager Responsibilities:

• Oversees the effective day-to-day operation of the Psychiatric In-Patient Unit.
• In conjunction with the Director, completes performance appraisals, follows up on staff achievement, counsels and/or educates as required.
• Works closely with Crisis workers, PIP and ED staff to help promptly facilitate behavioral health patient admissions to the inpatient unit from the Emergency Department.
• Serves as a liaison for communication between Behavioral Health and all other DKH hospital departments.
• To help reduce recidivism, takes an active role in monitoring discharge planning, including the supervision of the unit’s nurse discharge planner.
• Serves as a positive role model for change by promoting and supporting changes initiated in the Psychiatric In-Patient Unit.
• Identifies quality improvement opportunities and in conjunction with the Director initiates and follows through on appropriate strategies.
• Serves as a clinical resource person for staff members, providing leadership and supporting staff development.
• Incorporates critical thinking and establishes priorities in decisions about patient care and Psychiatric In-Patient Unit operations.
• Assists the Director in budget preparation and implementation of cost-saving initiatives.
• Ensures a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.
• Acts as a patient and staff advocate.
• Serves as designee to the Director of Behavioral Health in his/her absence.

Nurse Manager Education and Experience Requirements:

Education

• Licensed and currently registered in the State of Connecticut as a Professional Nurse required.
• Preparation in nursing management preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Seven years current psychiatric nursing experience required.
• Minimum of five years experience in a leadership position preferred.

Nurse Manager Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to organize and coordinate patient care in the Psychiatric In-Patient Unit.
• Demonstrates knowledge and experience in leadership and operational skills.
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Exhibits high-level verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to cope with and function effectively under stress.
• Meets skill requirements for the Behavioral Health Services Department.

Why Choose Day Kimball Health?

The Care You Need. Close to Home.

For over 130 years, Day Kimball Health has been a trusted, nonprofit healthcare provider serving Northeastern Connecticut. What began as a small infirmary has grown into the region’s leading integrated healthcare system - recognized for delivering compassionate, high-quality care close to home. Today, our team of over 1,100 dedicated employees - including more than 300 skilled physicians, surgeons, and specialists - proudly deliver a full continuum of care, from primary and specialty services to homecare and hospice, meeting the evolving needs of our patients at every stage of life.

What sets us apart is our commitment not only to the communities we serve, but also to the people who power our mission. At Day Kimball Health, we cultivate a supportive, inclusive workplace culture where healthcare professionals are empowered to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful difference every day. Every voice is valued. Every contribution matters. Whether you're starting your journey in healthcare or seeking your next opportunity, a career at Day Kimball Health offers more than a job - it’s a chance to build lasting relationships, give back to your community, and create impact beyond your shift. Come grow with a team that calls this community home.

Join us in our mission to elevate community-driven healthcare and be part of an organization that values both personal and professional development.

Make a real impact on your career, your team, and your community. Apply today.

Day Kimball Health is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal laws. Day Kimball Health is a smoke free environment.

Please note that the final offer may vary within the range below based on a candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.