Location: Washington, DC Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Position Summary
The Director of Nursing (DON) is the senior clinical leader responsible for all nursing operations, regulatory compliance, and clinical outcomes within the facility. This role owns the performance of the nursing department—staffing, quality, survey readiness, and resident care delivery.
This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong operational control, accountability, and the ability to stabilize and elevate clinical performance in a fast-paced skilled nursing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Accountability
Lead all nursing operations across the facility (RNs, LPNs, CNAs)
Own clinical outcomes including quality measures, infection control, and hospital readmissions
Ensure consistent, high-quality resident care across all units and shifts
Drive a culture of accountability, urgency, and professionalism
Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness
Maintain full compliance with CMS, DC Department of Health, and facility standards
Lead all survey preparation, execution, and plan of correction processes
Ensure clinical documentation meets regulatory and reimbursement requirements
Staffing & Team Management
Recruit, hire, and retain nursing staff in a competitive labor market
Oversee scheduling, staffing ratios, and labor management
Coach and develop nursing leadership team (ADONs, Unit Managers, Supervisors)
Address performance issues directly and consistently
Clinical Systems & Reimbursement
Oversee MDS process, case mix index (CMI), and reimbursement alignment
Partner with interdisciplinary team to ensure accurate assessments and care planning
Monitor and improve clinical and financial performance tied to documentation
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Work closely with Administrator, Medical Director, and department heads
Lead clinical meetings including QAPI, risk, and care plan meetings
Serve as primary clinical contact for families and external stakeholders
Operational Execution
Ensure systems are in place for consistent care delivery and compliance
Step into operational gaps as needed—this is not a desk-only role
Align nursing operations with overall facility goals and census strategy
Qualifications
Required:
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Washington, DC in good standing
Minimum 3–5+ years of nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing facility (DON or strong ADON ready to step up)
Deep knowledge of CMS regulations, survey process, and long-term care operations
Proven track record managing teams, improving outcomes, and passing survey
Preferred:
Prior Director of Nursing experience in SNF
Strong background in MDS, CMI, and reimbursement systems
BSN or higher
What Success Looks Like
Survey-ready building with strong compliance outcomes
Stable, accountable nursing team with reduced agency use and turnover