Director of Nursing

The primary purpose of the Director of Nursing (DON) is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operation of the Nursing Department in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations. The position is charged with responsibility to ensure that the highest quality of care is delivered consistently to the resident population.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Defines and maintains the standards of nursing practice within the facility
  • Evaluates the quality and cost-effectiveness of staffing and services in the nursing department
  • Initiates the development of policies and procedures that govern the nursing services within the facility
  • Monitors all aspects of patient care
• Understands and reviews the facility’s Healthcare Clinical Policies and Procedures
  • Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations
  • Ensures that all health, fire, safety, and sanitation codes are carried out in accordance with the facility’s disaster and OSHA plans
• Oversees, directs, and coordinates nursing staff to provide proper resident care consistent with standard nursing practices
  • Oversees the recruitment, selection, and hiring of nursing personnel
  • Conducts frequent rounds on a daily basis to ensure that all nursing service personnel are performing their essential functions in accordance with facility clinical policy and state/federal guidelines and regulations
  • Ensures annual evaluations are performed on all nursing staff, counsels and/or disciplines personnel according to established personnel policies
  • Develops and/or oversees in-service education programs for the nursing department in compliance with required in-service regulations
  • Develops staff schedules in accordance with clinical needs of resident populations
• Oversees the provision of appropriate medications, treatments, and general nursing services according to the resident’s care plan and physician directed orders
  • Monitors and controls inventories of drugs and supplies
  • Directs the development of coordination of the residents’ plan of care
  • Participates in the assessment of residents to be admitted by evaluating the level and amount of care required by prospective resident in relation to existing nursing capabilities
  • Assures that each resident’s attending physician and family or responsible party is promptly notified of any significant change in the residents’ health condition
• Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records
• Assesses residents conditions and vitals to determine and/or modify resident treatment plans
• Periodically updates written policies and procedures that govern the Nursing Department
• Develops, implements and maintains on going Quality Assurance Program for the Nursing Department
• Assists the Quality Assurance Committee in the development and implementation of action plans to correct any identified deficiencies
• May be required to be “on-call” periodically or as specifically needed by facility
• Serves as a member of various committees as needed or appointed by the Administrator
• Participates as a member of the facility’s management team in planning, policy formation and administrative decision-making, with particular emphasis on the facility’s nursing services
• Assumes responsibilities of the Director of Nursing in his/her absence
• Reports any issues or problems that may arise to the Dietary Manager
• Complies with state, federal, and all other applicable health care and safety standards
• Assists families and other visitors as needed
• Attends in-services and other required meetings
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE an equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; minimum of 5 years of previous long-term care experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be licensed in the applicable state as a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Prior experience managing staff and working in a long-term care and/or assisted living setting preferred
• Experience with the applicable state…