Director of Nursing (DON)

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Director of Nursing (DON)
Department: Nursing
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Administrator

Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Director of Nursing (DON) to provide leadership and oversight of our nursing department. The DON will be responsible for ensuring high-quality resident care, regulatory compliance, effective staffing, and strong clinical leadership while fostering a positive and accountable nursing culture.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to the nursing department.
• Ensure quality, safe, and person-centered care for all residents.
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, and facility policies and regulations.
• Develop and maintain appropriate nursing staffing schedules.
• Supervise nursing staff and provide coaching, education, and performance feedback.
• Monitor clinical outcomes, documentation, care plans, and quality measures.
• Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Assist with surveys, audits, investigations, and corrective action plans.
• Address resident and family concerns promptly and professionally.
• Collaborate with physicians, administrators, department leaders, residents, and families.
• Monitor infection prevention and control practices.
• Ensure timely completion of assessments, documentation, and required reports.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, orientation, and retention of nursing staff.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and excellent customer service.
• Respond appropriately to clinical emergencies and changing resident needs.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted RN license in the state of South Carolina.
  • BSN License Required 
• Previous leadership experience in a skilled nursing/long-term care setting preferred.
• Knowledge of CMS, state regulations, and long-term care requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop nursing staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous DON, Assistant DON, Nurse Manager, or comparable nursing leadership experience.
• BSN preferred.
• Experience with QAPI, survey readiness, staffing, and regulatory compliance.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a strong clinical leader who leads by example , holds the nursing team accountable, and is committed to providing excellent resident care. The ideal candidate will be organized, approachable, dependable, and comfortable working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.