Director of Nursing

Description

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the leadership and management of the nursing department. This role provides direction, guidance, and oversight to licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants to ensure nursing services are delivered in a competent, professional, and compassionate manner. The Director of Nursing collaborates with the Administrator to determine and manage the nursing department’s budgetary needs.

• Develops and maintains nursing service goals and standards of practice.
• Ensures nursing employees comply with all policies and procedures.
• Ensures nursing employees understand and fulfill responsibilities outlined in their job descriptions.
• Recommends resources necessary to carry out nursing activities, including clinical equipment, supplies, and appropriate staffing levels.
• Participates in the recruitment, retention, hiring, orientation, education, supervision, evaluation, and termination of nursing personnel.
• Collaborates with the Medical Director to develop and implement patient care policies and procedures.
• Ensures comprehensive plans of care are developed, implemented, and revised timely in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Coordinates nursing services with medical, rehabilitative, social services, and activities departments.
• Conducts daily rounds on patient care units.
• Ensures education coordinator responsibilities are fulfilled when not personally assumed by the DON; may delegate to the Assistant Director of Nursing.
• Conducts quarterly nursing employee meetings across all shifts.
• Maintains compliance with state and federal regulations and company policies.
• Works with the Administrator to develop and implement Plans of Correction for survey deficiencies related to nursing services.
• Administers and evaluates nursing service programs to maintain patient care standards.
• Establishes effective working relationships with other departments to support patient needs.
• Protects patients’ rights, including dignity, privacy, safety, and civil rights.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to ensure licensure and certification verification compliance.
• Ensures adequate, competent nursing staff coverage 24 hours a day.
• Ensures nursing hours are posted daily in accordance with federal regulations.
• Counsels and disciplines nursing staff as needed and ensures proper documentation.
• Evaluates nursing staff performance with input from Unit Managers and the Assistant Director of Nursing.
• Demonstrates and enforces customer service standards in all interactions.
• Collaborates with the Infection Preventionist to implement infection control and employee health programs.
• Maintains positive relationships with physicians, extenders, and ancillary service providers.
• Completes and investigates accident and incident reports, including abuse or neglect allegations, and ensures required notifications are completed.
• Ensures nursing representation on all quality assurance committees, including Care Planning, Infection Control, Risk, Utilization Review, Pharmacy, and Safety.
• Manages the nursing department budget, including medical supplies and equipment.
• Addresses and resolves operational issues such as errors in judgment or wasteful use of resources.
• Ensures compliance with the facility’s safety programs, including fire and back safety.
• Ensures medication administration aligns with current nursing practice standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

1. Current RN license in good standing with the Virginia Department of Health Professions.

2. Five years of experience in nursing leadership role.

3. Long-term care experience preferred.

4. Strong commitment to patients, employees, and innovative care delivery.

5. Ability to build strong teams.

6. Ability to motivate, develop caring relationships, and communicate effectively.

7. Current CPR Healthcare Provider certification.

• Prolonged periods standing, walking, working and frequently pulling, pushing, and bending
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at a time
• Must be able to move 150 pounds with assistance