Director of Nursing (DON)

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Nursing (Registered Nurse RN)

Summary/Objective
In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Guests we serve, the Director of Nursing plays a critical role in providing superior customer service and nursing services to all Guests in the facility.  The Director of Nursing is responsible for the planning, development and overall operation of the Nursing Department which ensures Guests receive quality care 24 hours a day.

Essential Functions:
Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of the nursing staff.

• Ensures the nursing department is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

• Develop, implement and update 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.

• Review 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.  Provides guidance and education to staff in regards to their performance.

• Provides counseling and disciplinary action to subordinate staff members as needed.

• Responsible for training and educating staff members.

• Assure that established infection control and standard precaution practices are maintained at all times.  Follow established safety precautions when preforming 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.

• Must answer and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in Guest care areas.

• Assist with new admissions, re-admissions and assist with the transfer of Guests to different rooms within the facility.

• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Guests, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.

• Attend and participate 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
This job operates in a health care setting. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the facility.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

This role may also come into contact with Guests who may have contagious illnesses. 

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
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.

Required Education and Experience

1.      Bachelor’s degree in science, Nursing preferred

2.      Current State License as Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland

3.      C.P.R. Certified

4.      5 years R.N. experience

5.      Previous experience managing a department.

Preferred Education and Experience

3 years Director of Nursing experience or similar role.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Knowledge of Maryland State and Federal regulations.