Director of Nursing

Job Description: Director of Nursing (DON)
Position Title: Director of Nursing
Department: Nursing Services
Reports To: Administrator
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salary)

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operation of the Nursing Services Department in a long-term care facility. The DON ensures the delivery of high-quality resident care in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations , including CMS guidelines, while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Management

• Direct, supervise, and evaluate all nursing personnel
• Develop staffing plans to ensure appropriate coverage and acuity-based care
• Foster a positive work environment and promote staff retention
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, orientation, and ongoing training

Clinical Oversight

• Ensure delivery of quality nursing care to all residents
• Oversee care planning process and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Monitor infection control practices and clinical outcomes
• Ensure proper documentation and adherence to standards of care

Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness

• Maintain compliance with all CMS, federal, and state regulations
• Lead facility preparation for state and federal surveys
• Develop and implement Plans of Correction (POC) when necessary
• Monitor and address compliance issues, including F-tags

Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Lead QAPI initiatives and performance improvement efforts
• Analyze clinical data, trends, and quality indicators
• Implement corrective actions to improve resident outcomes

Staff Development & Education

• Ensure ongoing education and competency of nursing staff
• Conduct performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed
• Promote leadership development within the nursing team

Resident & Family Relations

• Address concerns and grievances related to nursing care
• Promote resident rights, dignity, and person-centered care
• Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary team members

Operational Responsibilities

• Manage nursing department budget and resources
• Ensure appropriate use of supplies and equipment
• Participate in facility committees and leadership meetings
• Maintain adequate staffing levels and schedule coverage

On-Call Responsibility

• Participate in on-call rotation and respond to facility needs as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee.
• Minimum [2-5] years of nursing leadership experience (preferably in LTC/SNF)
• Strong knowledge of long-term care regulations and survey process
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills

• Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as Director of Nursing or Assistant DON
• Experience with CMS quality measures and Five-Star program
• Preferred BSN or advanced nursing degree

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of clinical operations in long-term care
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities
• Knowledge of infection control, documentation standards, and risk management
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up as needed
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

Work Environment

• Long-term care setting with frequent interruptions
• Exposure to infectious diseases and healthcare-related hazards
• Requires flexibility in schedule, including weekends and on-call

Compliance Statement

The Director of Nursing must comply with all facility policies and procedures, as well as federal, state, and local regulations governing long-term care facilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

TN Healthcare and Rehab is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable employment laws.

Come join our team today!

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