Director of Nursing (DON)

About the Role

The Director of Nursing plays a critical role in providing superior customer service and nursing services to all Guests in the facility. This position is responsible for the planning, development, and overall operation of the Nursing Department, ensuring Guests receive quality care 24 hours a day.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of the nursing staff.
• Ensures the nursing department is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develops, implements, and updates department policy and procedures when necessary or as directed.
• Responsible for providing consistent and sufficient staffing for Guest needs as well as regulatory requirements.
• Participates in Federal, State, and Local agency annual surveys.
• Reviews with appropriate department heads any deficiencies noted by government agencies during inspections.
• Responsible for operating the Nursing Department within budgetary guidelines and limitations.
• Completes annual performance reviews of all subordinate staff and provides guidance and education regarding performance.
• Provides counseling and disciplinary action to subordinate staff members as needed.
• Responsible for training and educating staff members.
• Assures that established infection control and standard precaution practices are maintained at all times.
• Follows established safety precautions when performing tasks and using equipment and supplies.
• Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment, and supply issues to the appropriate persons.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy, and dignity of Guests and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect, and promotes a caring environment.
• Answers and responds to call lights promptly and courteously when working in Guest care areas.
• Assists with new admissions, re-admissions, and transfers of Guests to different rooms within the facility.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Guests, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings and in-services.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position directly supervises all Nursing staff, including but not limited to R.N’s, L.P.N’s, G.N.A’s, and CMA’s.

Work Environment

• Operates in a health care setting.
• Requires regular walking to various locations around the facility.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• May come into contact with Guests who may have contagious illnesses.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required, which may involve lifting files, opening filing cabinets, and bending or standing as necessary.

Schedule

This position is part of a health care facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Travel

Travel to and from company meetings and other locations will be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science; Nursing preferred.
• Current State License as Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland.
• C.P.R. Certified.
• 5 years R.N. experience.
• Previous experience managing a department.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years Director of Nursing experience or similar role.
• Knowledge of Maryland State and Federal regulations.