Director of Nursing; DON

Position Summary

Are you interested in growing in your nursing career? Get your start here. Salary is very competitive. The Director of Nursing is responsible for administration of nursing services in the facility. He/She directs, plans, and coordinates service activities of professional nursing and auxiliary nursing personnel in rendering customer care. The Director of Nursing interprets facility policies and regulations to all nursing personnel and ensures compliance, as well as analyzes and evaluates nursing and related services rendered to improve quality of customer care and to better utilize staff time and abilities.

The Director of Nursing also ensures the provision of in‑service training programs for nursing personnel.

Develops and implements philosophy, objectives, policies, and standards of nursing practices in accordance with goals of the facility and the individual facility. Monitors nursing care to assure that all customers are treated fairly, with kindness, dignity, and respect. Develops, maintains, and periodically updates written policies and procedures that govern the functions of the nursing department as well as the facility’s ongoing quality assurance program for the nursing department in conjunction with corporate leadership.

Completes daily rounds on the unit to observe customers and to determine if nursing needs are being met. Works with the Administrator to develop, allocate, and control the budget for the Department of Nursing Services. Maintains cohesive public and professional relationships, including community, customer, family, and physician services. Provides a formal liaison between the medical staff and the department of nursing services.

Provides direction to nursing staff through written policies, procedures, nursing administration meetings, routine staff meetings, and written memos. Develops short and long‑range plans for the nursing department that are compatible with those of the facility. Serves on various committees such as Patient Care Policy, Pharmaceutical Services, Infection Control, Safety and Quality Improvement, as applicable, which meet to evaluate activities within the facility and to recommend changes in operations and follow up on committee recommendations affecting nursing services.

Participates in the assessment of customers to be admitted by evaluating the level and amount of care required by prospective customers in relation to existing nursing capabilities. Coordinates the revision and implementation of infection control procedures as outlined in company policies and as directed by national and state regulations and guidelines.

A graduate of an accredited School of Nursing with current registered nurse licensure by the State Board of Nursing. A minimum of 3 years full‑time or equivalent clinical experience is required, with a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience in long‑term care nursing and 1 year in a management/administrative or supervisory capacity is preferred.

Must demonstrate leadership skills, organizational ability, and a positive attitude, direction, and discipline for the nursing department. Must be able to work independently, problem‑solve, and make decisions as necessary. Must interact positively with personnel, customers, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public. Must possess knowledge of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to long‑term care administration.

Must have knowledge of licensing and certification regulations. Must provide annual verification of a negative TB skin test. Must possess basic computer skills, including EMR, Excel, and Word.