Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing (DON)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Shift: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Reports to: Administrator

Department: Healthcare

Employment Status: Full-Time

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Location: Brookridge, On-Site

Date Created/Last Evaluated: November 2025

The Director of Nursing (DON) oversees and coordinates all nursing services to ensure high-quality, person-centered care for residents in both the Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living settings. This position develops, implements, and evaluates nursing policies, programs, and practices in accordance with state and federal regulations and the organization’s mission. The DON leads, empowers, and mentors licensed nurses and nursing assistants to provide compassionate, compliant, and efficient care that supports residents’ physical, emotional, and psychosocial well-being.

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing
• Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program, required.
• Actively registered with the North Carolina Board of Nursing (or compact state) and in good standing, required.
• Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
• Minimum of three years of progressive nursing leadership experience in long‑term care, assisted living, or a related healthcare setting.
• Prior Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing experience.
• Knowledge of MDS, care planning, infection control, and quality improvement processes.

• Comprehensive knowledge of nursing principles, long‑term care regulations, and clinical best practices.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to motivate and mentor multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act and current standards of geriatric and rehabilitative care.
• Proficiency in clinical assessment, care planning, and quality assurance processes.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement effective improvement strategies.
• Sound judgment and decision‑making skills, particularly in complex or emergency situations.
• Ability to develop and manage department budgets and staffing plans effectively.
• Commitment to professional ethics, resident‑centered care, and continuous learning.

• Provides clinical supervision to RNs, LPNs, Med Techs, Med Aides, and CNAs.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of nursing services to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and professional standards.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing policies, procedures, and standards of care consistent with the organization’s goals and resident‑centered philosophy.
• Recruit, select, train, supervise, and evaluate nursing staff; ensure appropriate staffing levels and staff competency to meet resident care needs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional development among RNs, LPNs, Med Techs, Med Aides, and CNAs.
• Oversee resident assessment and care planning processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary care, collaborating with physicians, therapy, social services, dining, and other departments to ensure continuity and quality of care.
• Lead or participate in quality assurance, infection control, and risk management programs to ensure continuous improvement and resident safety.
• Monitor nursing department budgets, staffing patterns, and supply usage to ensure cost‑effective operations.
• Respond promptly to resident, family, and staff concerns, promoting positive communication and service excellence.
• Participate in facility committees and contribute to strategic planning and policy development.
• Maintain current knowledge of best practices, industry regulations, and innovations in long‑term and post‑acute care nursing.
• Ensure resident rights, dignity, and confidentiality are upheld at all times.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and applicable laws, including HIPAA and the Code of Conduct, completing required training and reporting concerns promptly.