Director of Nursing (DON), Rehabilitation Center (hospital-based)

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) for the organization and the administration of the nursing services of the Hospital Rehabilitation Center. In this role, you will be accountable for all nursing services and the overall quality of patient care. We are seeking a very experienced and skilled Registered Nurse who combines strong clinical knowledge with exceptional leadership, administrative, and communication abilities to ensure the smooth, compliant, and high-quality delivery of nursing services in our nursing home. You will be ultimately responsible for the well-being of the residents from a nursing perspective. You will also keep the Administrator and Medical Director of the Rehabilitation Center informed of the activities of the nursing service and of any concerns relating to the care of the patients.

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Key Responsibilities:

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Clinical Leadership and Oversight:

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• Directing Nursing Operations: The DON is responsible for the overall nursing program, including developing, implementing, and evaluating nursing policies, procedures, and standards of care.
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• Ensuring High Standards of Care: DON ensures that all residents receive safe, effective, and person-centered nursing care in accordance with professional standards and best practices.
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• Patient Care Coordination: Overseeing the coordination of patient care, including assessments, developing, and implementing individualized care plans, and evaluating patient progress.
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• Quality Improvement: Leading and participating in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives to continually enhance the quality of care and resident outcomes.
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• Regulatory Compliance: Staying up to date with and ensuring strict adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations governing nursing home operations (e.g., CMS, state Department of Health). This is a huge part of their role.
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Staff Management and Development:

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• Supervision and Performance Management: Supervising, training, evaluating the performance of, and providing mentorship to all nursing staff. This includes addressing any performance issues and implementing remediation plans.
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• Conflict Resolution: De-escalating issues and resolving conflicts among nursing staff, or between staff, residents, and families.
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Administrative and Operational Responsibilities:

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• Liaison and Communication: Serving as a crucial link between the nursing staff, residents, families, physicians, the Nursing Home Administrator, and other department heads.
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• Safety and Environment: Collaborating with other departments (e.g., environmental services) to maintain a safe environment for residents and staff and implementing accident prevention practices.
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• Emergency Preparedness: Playing a key role in the facility's emergency preparedness and response plans.
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• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Being knowledgeable about incidents at the facility and potentially testifying in legal cases related to nursing care.
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Collaboration and Communication:

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• Interdisciplinary Team: Working closely with other healthcare professionals (physicians, therapists, social workers, dietitians) to ensure a holistic approach to resident care.
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• Family Communication: Communicating with residents' families regarding their loved one's care and addressing concerns.
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Qualifications and Experience:

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• 2-4 years supervisory experience in Long Term/ Rehab setting required
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• Valid NJ RN License, BLS (Basic Life Support)
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• Proven Leadership Skills: Team building and motivation, Communication (verbal and written), Problem-solving and decision-making, and Conflict resolution.
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