Director of Nursing: LPN or RN

Job Title: Director of Nursing

Status: Full Time Exempt

Reports To: Executive Director 

Position Summary:

The Director of Nursing (DON) is accountable for leading and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality care and services to residents within our community. This role provides strategic oversight of the nursing department, guiding and motivating the clinical team to achieve exceptional resident outcomes. The DON ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations, as well as internal policies and standards. This position calls for a compassionate, experienced leader dedicated to fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and teamwork.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to the Nursing Department by serving as a positive role model while remaining engaged and approachable.
• Oversee and ensure the delivery of high-quality care and services to residents, addressing their emotional, physical, psychological, and safety needs.
• Ensure all care practices are carried out in accordance with regulatory standards and company policies and procedures, maintaining a commitment to excellence and resident-centered care.
• Oversee medication administration program. Administer medications and/or treatments for all residents, adhering to regulatory requirements and company policies and procedures.
• Responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and coaching the nursing team to foster a positive, professional, and high-performing work environment that supports staff development and quality resident care while ensuring appropriate staffing levels.
• Conduct comprehensive resident assessments and create personalized care plans that honor each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals while ensuring compassionate, holistic support that promotes dignity, comfort, and quality of life.
• Participate in Encircle meetings with other departments and resident families. 
• Assess potential residents for assisted living, independent living, and memory support regarding the care level and the appropriate placement. 
• Monitor, track, and report key clinical performance indicators including but not limited to falls, infection rates, and wound occurrences using data to identify trends and ensure progress toward clinical and organizational goals.
• Coordinate move ins with Executive Director and Director of Sales.
• Responsible for implementing state-specific infection control guidelines, including outbreak prevention, staff training on infectious disease protocols, and regulatory reporting.
• Promote and maintain a safe work environment by implementing proactive accident prevention measures, ensuring proper use and preservation of equipment, and upholding safe work practices.
• Ensure adherence to the labor and supply budgets in with conjunction of the Executive Director
• Responsible for oversight and implementation of all electronic care programs including but not limited to use of healthcare software, emergency response system, health monitoring system.
• Perform management and administrative duties in the absence of the Executive Director
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekends and flexible hours as needed to support resident care and services including 24/7 on call responsibilities in addition to sharing the Manager on Duty responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly supervises employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Company policies, the Code of Ethical Business Conduct, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years as a Licensed Practical nurse or Registered Nurse required.
• Requires a minimum of one (1) years of nursing supervisor experience including hiring, coaching, performance management and scheduling. 
• 3-5 years of previous experience working with seniors preferred.  
• Must complete the ALF Assessor course within 14 days of hire. (Missouri only)
• Possess a general knowledge of laws and restrictions regarding Assisted Living, Memory Support and 
• Independent Living (where applicable), as well as a solid understanding of opportunities and limits of other levels of care within senior living. 
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekends and flexible hours as needed to support resident care and services including 24/7 on call responsibilities in addition to sharing the Manager on Duty responsibilities.
• Proficient in the use of electronic health records (EHR), clinical documentation systems, and standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite); able to efficiently manage reports, schedules, and compliance documentation through computerized systems.

Competencies:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with a genuine passion for working with older adults and a strong commitment to delivering the highest quality of care.
• Demonstrates strong observational skills, sound clinical assessment abilities, and excellent nursing judgment in delivering and overseeing resident care.
• Must consistently demonstrate and promote a high standard of customer service, hospitality, professionalism, and friendliness in all interactions with residents, families, visitors, team members, and the broader community.
• Must possess the ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure or stressful situations, demonstrate flexibility in a dynamic environment, manage frequent interruptions, and skillfully prioritize and multitask to meet competing demands.
• Must demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding resident rights and maintaining strict confidentiality in all aspects of care and communication.

Required Travel:

Travel is occasionally required for training, meetings, or company events. 

Physical Requirements:

This role requires regular physical activity in a senior living environment. Candidates must be able to:

• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 80 pounds of pressure may be placed on the associate through transfers using transfer belts or mechanical assists.
• Stand, walk, and maintain a stationary position for extended periods.
• Bend, squat, kneel, and move freely throughout the community.
• Ascend and descend stairs or ramps as needed.
• Position self to reach, operate, or adjust equipment above or below normal standing height.
• Perform repetitive movements and tasks including grasping and fine manipulation. 
• Exposure to and ability to use cleaning chemicals and other equipment as part of routine duties.

Must be comfortable working in an environment that may involve exposure to infectious diseases and varying noise level.