ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing)
Job Title: ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing)
Location: Columbus, NE
Department: Nursing
Reports to: DON
Position Type: Management
Hours: M-F 8am-5pm, occasional on call
Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
Emerald Nursing & Rehab Columbus | Columbus, NE
Emerald Nursing & Rehab Columbus is seeking a strong, compassionate, and motivated Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to join our clinical leadership team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a nurse leader who wants to be part of a facility that is moving forward, building a strong culture, and truly investing in its staff and residents. At Emerald, we are proud of the team we have built. We have dedicated staff, strong longevity, decreased agency usage, and a positive environment where teamwork matters.
We are looking for an ADON who is not afraid to lead from the floor, support staff, coach with confidence, and help drive quality care. The right candidate will be someone who enjoys teaching, problem-solving, building relationships, and helping a nursing team grow.
If you are ready to step into a leadership role where your voice matters, your ideas are valued, and your work directly impacts residents and staff every day, we would love to meet you.
At Emerald, we believe great care starts with a great team. We are focused on creating a supportive, fun, and professional environment where staff feel appreciated, heard, and set up for success.
We offer:
A positive and team-focused work culture
Strong nursing staff with longevity in the building
Reduced agency usage and a growing in-house team
Supportive leadership that believes in coaching, not just correcting
Fun staff appreciation and retention events
Educational reimbursement opportunities
Opportunities for leadership growth and professional development
A workplace where resident care, teamwork, and accountability matter
We want leaders who are excited to be part of the solution, help build others up, and bring positive energy to the nursing department.
The Assistant Director of Nursing supports the Director of Nursing in the oversight of daily nursing operations, clinical compliance, resident care, staff development, and quality improvement.
The ADON plays a key role in supporting nurses and CNAs, monitoring resident care, assisting with clinical audits, promoting regulatory compliance, and helping create a strong, organized, and accountable nursing department.
This position requires a leader who can balance clinical knowledge with strong communication, follow-through, and the ability to support staff in a fast-paced skilled nursing environment.
Clinical Leadership & Oversight
Assist the Director of Nursing with planning, organizing, and overseeing nursing services.
Support daily clinical operations to ensure residents receive safe, compassionate, and quality care.
Monitor resident conditions, review changes in status, and assist with follow-up as needed.
Help ensure care plans are followed and resident needs are being met.
Assist with clinical rounds, chart reviews, audits, and quality checks.
Provide guidance and support to nurses and CNAs during daily resident care.
Staff Support & Development
Supervise, coach, and support nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs, Medication Aides, and CNAs.
Help create a positive work environment built on teamwork, accountability, and respect.
Assist with onboarding, training, education, and ongoing development of nursing staff.
Provide real-time coaching to staff to support quality care and regulatory compliance.
Help identify staff strengths, opportunities for improvement, and training needs.
Encourage professional communication and teamwork across departments.
Resident Care & Family Communication
Promote resident-centered care and ensure residents are treated with dignity and respect.
Assist with addressing resident and family concerns related to nursing care.
Participate in care conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as needed.
Communicate effectively with residents, families, physicians, providers, and the care team.
Support smooth transitions of care, including admissions, discharges, and changes in condition.
Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness
Assist with maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
Participate in audits, monitoring, and follow-up related to clinical systems.
Support infection control practices, documentation accuracy, medication management, and quality assurance efforts.
Assist with survey preparation and ongoing survey readiness.
Help identify and correct areas of concern before they become larger issues.
Promote a culture of doing things the right way every day, not just when surveyors are in the building.
Quality Improvement
Assist in quality improvement initiatives that support resident outcomes and facility performance.
Review clinical trends and help identify opportunities for improvement.
Support follow-up on falls, wounds, infections, hospital transfers, weight changes, behaviors, and other clinical focus areas.
Work with the DON and interdisciplinary team to develop action plans when needed.
Help promote consistency, accountability, and follow-through within the nursing department.
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Nebraska required.
Long-term care or skilled nursing experience preferred.
Previous supervisory, charge nurse, management, or leadership experience preferred.
CPR certification required or ability to obtain.
Strong clinical assessment and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of nursing standards, documentation requirements, and regulatory expectations.
Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills.
Ability to coach, educate, and support staff in a professional and positive manner.
Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
Emerald Nursing & Rehab Columbus offers a competitive benefits package, including:
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k) plan
PTO plan
Educational reimbursement opportunities
Career growth and leadership development
Supportive leadership team
Positive staff culture and appreciation events
We are looking for someone who is clinically strong, dependable, organized, and ready to lead with purpose. The ideal ADON is someone who can support the DON, encourage the team, hold staff accountable, and still bring compassion and positivity into the building every day.
You do not have to be perfect. You do need to care, communicate, follow through, and be willing to grow with us.
If you are a motivated nursing professional looking for a leadership opportunity in a facility with a strong team, positive culture, and room to grow, we invite you to apply today.
Come be part of the Emerald Nursing & Rehab Columbus team where your leadership matters, your work makes a difference, and our residents are at the heart of everything we do.
