Director of Nursing (DON)

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all nursing operations within the facility.


• Ensure quality resident care in accordance with physician orders, care plans, and nursing standards.


• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.


• Develop staffing schedules and ensure appropriate staffing levels.


• Ensure compliance with CMS, state regulations, infection control, and facility policies.


• Oversee resident assessments, care planning, and clinical documentation.


• Monitor quality assurance (QA), performance improvement (QAPI), and risk management initiatives.


• Collaborate with physicians, rehabilitation staff, pharmacy, dietary, social services, and other interdisciplinary team members.


• Participate in survey preparation and manage state and federal inspections.


• Monitor clinical outcomes, incident reports, and infection prevention programs.


• Manage nursing department budgets, supplies, and equipment.


• Promote a positive work environment focused on resident-centered care and employee engagement.

Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.


• Minimum of 3–5 years of nursing experience, preferably in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Long-Term Care (LTC).


• Previous nursing leadership experience as a Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Unit Manager, Nurse Manager, or Nursing Supervisor preferred.


• Strong knowledge of CMS regulations, state survey processes, MDS, care planning, infection prevention, and quality improvement.


• Current CPR/BLS certification (required by employer).