Director of Nursing

About the Role

This position oversees the clinical operations of an assisted living community, ensuring high-quality care and adherence to state regulations and company policies. The role involves management of staff, resident services, and administrative duties to support a dignified, home-like environment for residents.

Responsibilities

Management

• Adhere to and convey the philosophy of supporting dignity, privacy, independence, choice, individuality, and a home-like environment for residents.
• Identify ongoing needs and services for residents through assessment and service planning utilizing the nursing process.
• Coordinate ancillary health care services for residents in cooperation with the Executive Director.
• Adhere to all established policies and procedures.
• Respond to resident or staff concerns and refer them to the Executive Director when appropriate.
• Manage and perform TB testing/screening for residents and staff per state regulations.
• Monitor quality of work performance of Care Partners, Medication Staff, and Licensed Nurses and report to the Executive Director.
• Ensure that staff know and follow infection control procedures.
• Direct the infection control measures for the community.
• Participate in service plan conferences; maintain medication and treatment records for each resident.
• Work closely with staff and designated agent(s) to identify resident problems/concerns/issues; follow up as needed and communicate appropriately.
• Hold 24/7 overall responsibility for the clinical operations.
• Be on call according to a pre-established schedule.
• Oversee and/or complete the monthly nursing schedule for nursing staff.
• Participate in the Manager on Duty program as directed by the Executive Director.
• Coordinate/provide treatments within the scope of the nursing license and state regulations.
• Observe all work, safety, and administrative rules.
• Act as a clinical liaison with families, residents, healthcare professionals, and team members.
• Manage labor costs, supplies, and other line items in the clinical budget.
• Develop strategies to eliminate/minimize the use of staffing agencies.
• Keep the Executive Director apprised of staffing agency usage.
• Participate in the company quality assurance program.

Resident Services

• Conduct initial nursing assessment(s)/evaluations to determine the appropriate level of care, which may be done in a prospective resident’s home or alternative healthcare setting.
• Conduct reassessments per state/company requirements, including significant changes in condition and prior to readmission to the community.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to counsel the resident and designated agent(s) regarding personal and related healthcare needs.
• Evaluate personal services rendered to residents and coach staff on expectations.
• Evaluate health emergencies and determine emergency medical measures taken regarding resident care.
• Act as a resident advocate in medical-social situations involving residents and/or designated agents, physicians, other agents, or agencies.
• Coordinate administration of medications and treatments; observe results and document them.
• Examine and provide first aid to residents and staff within the scope of practice.
• Address physical, social, spiritual, and psychological needs of residents.
• Complete required forms to ensure continuity of care.
• Notify physician and/or designated agent(s) of resident changes in condition.
• Consult with the Regional Director of Operations and Corporate Director of Quality & Clinical Services on resident issues as needed.

Administrative

• Read staff communications and maintain familiarity with other resident records as required.
• Ensure accurate transcription of physician orders into treatment/medication records.
• Assist as directed with move-in and orientation of new residents and designated agent(s).
• Review resident service records, treatment, and medication books to assure the quality of care and documentation in the medical record is within nursing standards.
• Verify physician orders, move-in/move-out information, and initiate appropriate action/follow-up.
• Supervise ordering of medications from the pharmacy.
• Coordinate therapeutic diet orders with staff as required.
• Ensure proper records are maintained, including the use of EHR systems for care documentation, medication management, and quality initiatives.

Staff Development

• Provide, plan, schedule, and monitor staff training programs and in-services for the clinical staff, including statutory or regulatory required training.
• Attend/complete all required training, in-service, and staff meetings.
• Train, document, and supervise Care Partners under the Nurse Delegation Act as appropriate.
• Train and supervise staff to perform medication assistance services within best practices.
• Training of non-clinical staff may be required as needed.

Requirements

• Willingness to adhere to assisted living principles in provided services.
• Ability to relate to the public, residents, families, staff, and other professionals appropriately.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• CPR/First Aid Certified within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 30 pounds regularly.
• Maintain appropriate and required nursing license in the state where the community is located.

Qualifications

• Licensed Nurse with a minimum of at least one year of leading clinical operations in a senior living setting.
• Rehabilitative and restorative experience is helpful.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing school.
• Maintain current RN/LPN/LVN license in good standing in the state the community is located.
• Immediately report to the Executive Director any disruption to nursing license status.
• Provide a supervisor of all states where you hold an active nursing license/compact license.