Director of Nursing (DON)

 The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all nursing services within the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). The DON ensures the delivery of high-quality resident care, regulatory compliance, staff development, and clinical excellence while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

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).