Director of Nursing (DON)

About the role

We are seeking a visionary Director of Nursing (DON) who brings deep clinical expertise, a passion for mentoring the next generation of nurses, and the ability to inspire a high-performing care team alongside a strong supportive leadership team to achieve extraordinary outcomes for residents and families alike.

Job Summary

The Director of Nursing is the cornerstone of our skilled nursing department, providing strategic clinical leadership across all shifts and care units. Reporting directly to the Administrator, the DON sets the tone for a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, and continuous professional growth. This leader will serve as the primary mentor and advocate for our nursing staff, ensuring that every team member has the support, development, and inspiration they need to deliver five-star care every day.

Responsibilities

• Organize, administer, and supervise nursing services in the skilled facility.
• Oversee, provide supervision and guidance for the health information coordinator, Registered Nurse assessment coordinator/infection control preventionist nurse, and clinical supervisor.
• As a member of the interdisciplinary team, promote individualized quality of care and the highest level of functioning possible for each resident through the continuum.
• Interpret and put into effect administration policies established by the Board of Trustees.
• Assist in preparing and administering the operating and capital budgets for Skilled Nursing.
• Coordinate comprehensive orientation of new nursing personnel.
• Oversee and ensure adequate inventory of all supplies related to the clinical needs of the residents in Skilled Care.
• Participate and serve as a member of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) and Infection Control committee.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate protocols for the delivery of health care services at Foxdale Village to assure individualized, quality, and continuity of care.
• Maintain working liaison with all providers of support services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and the Registered Dietitian.
• Coordinate and delegate nursing services with all other resident services.
• Promote resident and staff safety.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with the physicians under contract with Foxdale Village.
• Develop and maintain nursing service objectives and standards, based on professional standards, evidence-based research, industry trends, etc.
• Develop, oversee, and maintain nursing policy and procedure manuals.
• Effectively conduct rounds to the three nursing care areas daily.
• Collaborate as an integral member of the interdisciplinary team in the development of both programming for all and individualized care planning.
• Work in a team relationship with residents, families, staff, physicians, and the public to meet residents’ needs and establish effective communication.
• Collaborate with community health care facilities in which a resident may be receiving care and services when needed to ensure continuity of care.
• Assist each resident to live as independently as possible for as long as possible and within the full continuum of residential and health care services.
• Encourage professional growth and provide and participate in opportunities for staff development.
• Assign general supervision, guidance and assistance to residents in implementing the president’s personal health program to ensure that preventive measures, treatments, medications, diet and other health services prescribed are properly carried out and recorded.
• Assume responsibility for a Clinical Supervisor’s duties in their absence.
• Meet regulatory requirements for licensing, surveillance, and quality assurance.
• Oversee employee and resident immunization programs and tuberculosis screening.
• Assist with Medicare determinations and billing information.
• Participate as a member of assigned committees and regularly attend meetings.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or advanced nursing degree
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing in the state of practice
• Minimum of 5 years of clinical nursing experience, with at least 3 years in a skilled nursing or long-term care leadership role
• Proven track record of mentoring nursing staff and building high-performing, cohesive teams
• Deep knowledge of CMS regulations, OBRA guidelines, and state long-term care survey processes
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, inspire diverse teams, and drive measurable quality outcomes