Assistant Director of Nursing

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Nursing supports the Director of Nursing in the oversight of daily nursing operations, clinical compliance, resident care, staff development, and quality improvement. The ADON plays a key role in supporting nurses and CNAs, monitoring resident care, assisting with clinical audits, promoting regulatory compliance, and helping create a strong, organized, and accountable nursing department.

Key Responsibilities

• Aid the Director of Nursing with planning, organizing, and overseeing nursing services.
• Support daily clinical operations to ensure residents receive safe, compassionate, and quality care.
• Monitor resident conditions, review changes in status, and assist with follow-up as needed.
• Aid in ensuring care plans are followed and resident needs are being met.
• Assist with clinical rounds, chart reviews, audits, and quality checks.
• Provide guidance and support to nurses and CNAs during daily resident care.

Staff Support & Development

• Supervise, coach, and support nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs, Medication Aides, and CNAs.
• Create a positive work environment built on teamwork, accountability, and respect.
• Assist with onboarding, training, education, and ongoing development of nursing staff.
• Provide real-time coaching to staff to support quality care and regulatory compliance.
• Identify staff strengths, opportunities for improvement, and training needs.
• Encourage professional communication and teamwork across departments.

Resident Care & Family Communication

• Promote resident-centered care and ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect.
• Assist with addressing resident and family concerns related to nursing care.
• Participate in care conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as needed.
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, providers, and the care team.
• Support smooth transitions of care, including admissions, discharges, and changes in condition.

Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness

• Assist with maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Participate in audits, monitoring, and follow-up related to clinical systems.
• Support infection control practices, documentation accuracy, medication management, and quality assurance efforts.
• Assist with survey preparation and ongoing survey readiness.
• Identify and correct areas of concern before they become larger issues.
• Promote a culture of doing things the right way every day, not just when surveyors are in the building.

Quality Improvement

• Aid in quality improvement initiatives that support resident outcomes and facility performance.
• Review clinical trends and help identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support follow-up on falls, wounds, infections, hospital transfers, weight changes, behaviors, and other clinical focus areas.
• Work with the DON and interdisciplinary team to develop action plans when needed.
• Help promote consistency, accountability, and follow-through within the nursing department.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Nebraska required.
• Long-term care or skilled nursing experience preferred.
• Previous supervisory, charge nurse, management, or leadership experience preferred.
• CPR certification required or ability to obtain.
• Strong clinical assessment and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of nursing standards, documentation requirements, and regulatory expectations.
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.
• Ability to coach, educate, and support staff in a professional and positive manner.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.