Position Summary
The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all nursing services within the facility. The DON ensures the delivery of high-quality, resident-centered care while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) regulations, and facility policies. The DON serves as a member of the leadership team and works collaboratively with the Administrator, Medical Director, interdisciplinary team, residents, families, and staff to promote quality outcomes and a culture of excellence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
- Direct and oversee all nursing services to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate resident care.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
- Ensure nursing care is consistent with residents' individualized care plans.
- Promote evidence-based practices and quality improvement initiatives.
- Monitor clinical indicators and implement corrective action plans as needed.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing long-term care facilities.
- Prepare for and participate in regulatory surveys and inspections.
- Develop and oversee plans of correction for identified deficiencies.
- Maintain documentation in accordance with regulatory and professional standards.
Staffing and Human Resources
- Recruit, interview, hire, orient, supervise, and evaluate licensed nurses and nursing support staff.
- Ensure adequate staffing levels consistent with resident acuity and regulatory requirements.
- Develop employee schedules and manage staffing resources efficiently.
- Conduct performance evaluations and implement corrective action when necessary.
- Foster employee engagement, accountability, and professional development.
Resident Care Management
- Oversee resident admissions, transfers, and discharges from a nursing perspective.
- Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Ensure timely assessment and management of changes in resident condition.
- Monitor infection prevention and control activities.
- Participate in risk management and incident investigations.
Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI)
- Lead nursing participation in the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement program.
- Monitor quality measures and implement improvement initiatives.
- Analyze clinical outcomes and identify trends requiring intervention.
- Participate in interdisciplinary quality meetings.
Budget and Resource Management
- Develop and manage the nursing department budget.
- Monitor labor costs, overtime, and supply expenditures.
- Ensure appropriate utilization of equipment and clinical resources.
Leadership
- Promote a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and resident-centered care.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership development for nursing staff.
- Maintain open communication with residents, families, physicians, and facility leadership.
- Serve as the nursing representative during leadership meetings.
Qualifications
Required
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Iowa in good standing.
- Minimum of three (3) years of nursing management experience in a skilled nursing facility or long-term care setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of CMS regulations, state regulations, infection prevention, and quality improvement.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with electronic health records and Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Master's degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration preferred.
- Director of Nursing experience in a skilled nursing facility.
- Experience with Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement systems.
- Infection Preventionist training or certification.
- Certification in Gerontological Nursing or Nursing Administration.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, transfer, or assist with residents as necessary.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and use standard office and clinical equipment.
- Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.
Work Environment
The Director of Nursing works in a healthcare environment with regular exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, cleaning chemicals, and other hazards common to long-term care settings. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used in accordance with facility policies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of long-term care nursing practices.
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent leadership and supervisory abilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations.
- Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Performance Expectations
The Director of Nursing is expected to:
- Ensure the highest quality of resident care.
- Maintain regulatory compliance.
- Support positive survey outcomes.
- Foster employee retention and engagement.
- Promote continuous quality improvement.
- Maintain professional and ethical standards at all times.
Reporting Relationship
Reports To: Administrator
Supervises: Assistant Director of Nursing, Nurse Managers, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Medication Aides, Infection Preventionist (if applicable), Staff Development Coordinator (if applicable), and other nursing department personnel.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
