Director of Nursing; DON

Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the direction and supervision of nursing staff/activities and efficiency in meeting departmental goals and objectives. Responsible for making administrative decisions utilizing knowledge of long‑term care policies and nursing standards. Ensures compliance with standards of nursing practice to promote optimal health care delivery. Interprets and puts into effect administrative and resident care policies as communicated by the VP, Senior Administrator.

Interviews and hires nursing management and supervisory staff. Assigns professional staff. Interviews and evaluates Supervisory and other personnel. Is Chairperson of:
Supervisory Meetings and Nurse Manager Meetings. As Department Manager, conducts meetings with administrative and professional nursing staff to encourage participation in the formulation of departmental policies and procedures. Coordinates the activities of the various nursing neighborhoods. Promotes and maintains harmonious relationships with the nursing supervisors, the nursing personnel and the medical staff, residents and visitors. Plans with the Staff Development Coordinator various programs for the professional and non‑professional nursing staff.

Directs and delegates management of the professional and non‑professional nursing staff. Analyzes and evaluates nursing and related services to improve the quality of care and plan better utilization of staff time and activities. Oversees the quality improvement activities of nursing service and ensures the integration of these activities into the community’s overall quality improvement program. Communicates with the VP, Senior Administrator on matters needing consent/approval.

Assists VP, Senior Administration with ensuring compliance with all State, Federal and Joint Commission requirements. Under the supervision of the VP, Senior Administrator maintains and controls nursing expenses and approves nursing invoices. Infection Preventionist duties of completing specialized training in infection prevention and control through accredited continuing education. Develops and implements an ongoing infection prevention and control program to prevent, recognize, and control the onset and spread of infections in order to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment.

Establishes facility‑wide systems for prevention, identification, reporting, investigation, and control of infections and communicable diseases of residents, staff, and visitors. Implements written policies and procedures in accordance with current standards of practice and recognized guidelines for infection prevention and control. Oversees the facility’s antibiotic stewardship program. Oversees resident care activities that increase risk of infection. Leads the facility’s Infection and Prevention Control Committee.

Develops action plans to address opportunities for improvement. Participates on the facility’s QAPI Committee. Implements an annual infection control risk assessment process and participates in the facility’s annual facility assessment review process. Reviews and/or revises the facility’s infection prevention and control program, its standards, policies, and procedures annually and as needed to ensure they are effective and in accordance with current standards of practice.

Provides education related to infection prevention and control principles, policies, and procedures to staff, residents, and families. Ensures public health is notified of reportable diseases. Collaborates with other departments in fulfilling requirements related to occupational health and safety. (i.e. employee health). Maintains documentation of infection prevention and control program activities.

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current RN license in the state you will be working
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or its equivalent preferred
• Three to five years of recent nursing experience during which administrative and supervisory competency has been demonstrated
• One year management experience preferred
• Communication, organization, and planning skills required
• Must be able to manage diversity of activities and function at all times in a stressful environment
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to lift heavy objects using proper lifting techniques and with assistance as necessary
• Ability to transfer and move residents who vary with ability to assist weighing 200+lbs using proper lifting techniques and wish assistance as necessary
• Ability to push and pull equipment weighing in excess of 40lbs using proper techniques and with assistance as necessary
• Manual dexterity, coordination and skillful use of hands when working with residents and equipment
• Ability to perform necessary documentation
• Visual acuity
• Must be able to manage a diversity of activities

Pay range: $81,681 - $136,136 annually

Category: RN