Director of Nursing ( DON )

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for overseeing all nursing services within the facility, ensuring the highest standards of resident care, regulatory compliance, staff development, and clinical excellence. The DON serves as the clinical leader of the nursing department and provides direct resident care as needed.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and management of the nursing department, including staffing and scheduling.
• Develop, implement, and maintain nursing policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure resident safety and promote a culture of dignity, respect, and quality care.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, mentor, and retain nursing staff.
• Conduct clinical education and in-service training programs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the facility, physicians, residents, families, and other healthcare providers.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary departments to ensure exceptional resident outcomes.
• Manage departmental budgets and prepare required reports.
• Stay current on regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation throughout the nursing department.
• Participate in Quality Assurance (QA), Utilization Review, Infection Prevention, and Patient Care conferences.
• Lead and assist with state surveys, audits, plans of correction, and regulatory follow-up activities.
• Oversee MDS coordination and comprehensive care planning.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations and address coaching, disciplinary actions, and terminations as appropriate.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of resident and employee information.
• Provide direct hands-on nursing care when necessary.
• Serve as a witness during legal proceedings when required.

Qualifications

• Required: Current, active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of California in good standing.
• Required: Previous skilled nursing facility (SNF) experience.
• Proven leadership experience in nursing management.
• Strong knowledge of federal and California long-term care regulations.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and drive quality outcomes.
• Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Minimum of 2 years of nursing management experience.
• Experience leading successful state survey readiness and quality improvement initiatives.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of $170,000–$200,000 annually, based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive leadership team and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents and staff.