Director of Nursing

Exempt (salaried) position reporting to the Administrator.

About the role

The Director of Nursing (DON) provides overall leadership, management, and operational oversight of the Nursing Services Department in a long-term care facility. The DON ensures the delivery of high-quality resident care in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS guidelines, while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Management
  • Direct, supervise, and evaluate all nursing personnel
  • Develop staffing plans to ensure appropriate coverage and acuity-based care
  • Foster a positive work environment and promote staff retention
  • Participate in recruitment, hiring, orientation, and ongoing training
• Clinical Oversight
  • Ensure delivery of quality nursing care to all residents
  • Oversee care planning process and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Monitor infection control practices and clinical outcomes
  • Ensure proper documentation and adherence to standards of care
• Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness
  • Maintain compliance with all CMS, federal, and state regulations
  • Lead facility preparation for state and federal surveys
  • Develop and implement Plans of Correction (POC) when necessary
  • Monitor and address compliance issues, including F-tags
• Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI)
  • Lead QAPI initiatives and performance improvement efforts
  • Analyze clinical data, trends, and quality indicators
  • Implement corrective actions to improve resident outcomes
• Staff Development & Education
  • Ensure ongoing education and competency of nursing staff
  • Conduct performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed
  • Promote leadership development within the nursing team
• Resident & Family Relations
  • Address concerns and grievances related to nursing care
  • Promote resident rights, dignity, and person-centered care
  • Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary team members
• Operational Responsibilities
  • Manage nursing department budget and resources
  • Ensure appropriate use of supplies and equipment
  • Participate in facility committees and leadership meetings
  • Maintain adequate staffing levels and schedule coverage
• On-Call Responsibility
  • Participate in on-call rotation and respond to facility needs as required

Requirements

• Current, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee
• Minimum 2–5 years of nursing leadership experience (preferably in long-term care/skilled nursing facility)
• Strong knowledge of long-term care regulations and survey process
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as Director of Nursing or Assistant DON
• Experience with CMS quality measures and Five-Star program
• BSN or advanced nursing degree

Skills

• Strong understanding of clinical operations in long-term care
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities
• Knowledge of infection control, documentation standards, and risk management
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility
• Ability to lift, push, or pull as needed
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

Work Environment

• Long-term care setting with frequent interruptions
• Exposure to infectious diseases and healthcare-related hazards
• Requires flexibility in schedule, including weekends and on-call