Director of Nursing

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operation 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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• 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

• Ensure delivery of quality nursing care to all residents

• Oversee care planning process and interdisciplinary collaboration

• 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

• Lead QAPI initiatives and performance improvement efforts

• Analyze clinical data, trends, and quality indicators

• Implement corrective actions to improve resident outcomes

• Ensure ongoing education and competency of nursing staff

• Conduct performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed

• Promote leadership development within the nursing team

• Address concerns and grievances related to nursing care

• Promote resident rights, dignity, and person-centered care

• Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary team members

• 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

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee.

• [2–5] years of nursing leadership experience (preferably in LTC/SNF).

• 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.

• Preferred BSN or advanced nursing degree.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility.

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up 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.

Compliance Statement

The Director of Nursing must comply with all facility policies and procedures, as well as federal, state, and local regulations governing long-term care facilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

TN Healthcare and Rehab is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable employment laws.