Director of Nursing Services

Avera Health is seeking a Director of Nursing Services to lead clinical operations in our long-term care setting. This role oversees nursing staff, ensures regulatory compliance, and advances quality and safety initiatives. The Director will develop policies, manage budgets, and foster a culture of compassionate, resident-centered care. Ideal candidates are strong leaders with long-term care experience, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to staff development.

Join a regional health system that values collaboration, professional growth, and stewardship in serving communities with respect and dignity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all nursing services within the long term care facility, aligning clinical practice with Avera Health's mission of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, person-centered care that promotes resident dignity, safety, comfort, and optimal quality of life.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of nursing staff, fostering a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing team culture.
• Develop, implement, and monitor standards of nursing practice, policies, and procedures consistent with current evidence-based guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain continuous regulatory and survey readiness by ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local long term care regulations, including documentation, reporting, and resident rights.
• Lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, using data and clinical outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective action plans.
• Collaborate closely with physicians, therapists, social services, dietary, and other interdisciplinary team members to coordinate comprehensive care plans for residents.
• Manage the nursing department budget, staffing models, and resource utilization to balance high-quality care with operational efficiency.
• Oversee infection prevention and control programs, including surveillance, staff education, and adherence to protocols to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
• Engage residents and families through clear, compassionate communication, addressing concerns promptly and supporting shared decision-making.
• Mentor and develop charge nurses and emerging nurse leaders, providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Support implementation and optimization of electronic health record (EHR) systems and other clinical technologies to improve workflow and documentation accuracy.
• Participate in organizational planning, performance reviews, and long-range service development to enhance long term care offerings within the Avera Health network.
• Promote a positive work environment that supports staff well-being, retention, and alignment with Avera Health's values and community-focused mission.

Required Skills

• Clinical leadership in long term care
• Care planning and interdisciplinary team coordination
• Staff scheduling and workforce management
• Budgeting and resource allocation
• Regulatory compliance and survey readiness
• Quality improvement and performance metrics
• Infection prevention and control
• Electronic health record (EHR) proficiency
• Risk management and incident review
• Policy and procedure development
• Geriatric and dementia care expertise
• Change management and process improvement
• Conflict resolution and coaching
• Resident and family communication
• Data analysis and reporting