Director of Nursing

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob SummaryBig Bend Woods Healthcare Center is seeking a dedicated and experienced Director of Nursing to lead our skilled nursing facility. The Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall clinical leadership, administration, and management of nursing services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and resident-centered care.Essential ResponsibilitiesDirect and oversee all nursing services, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of resident careEnsure residents receive individualized care consistent with physician orders, care plans, professional standards, and resident preferencesMonitor resident conditions and ensure timely assessment, intervention, provider notification, and documentationOversee admissions, transfers, discharges, change-of-condition management, and coordination of carePromote resident rights, dignity, privacy, choice, and quality of lifeReview clinical documentation, medication administration practices, treatment records, and nursing notes for completeness and accuracyCollaborate with providers, pharmacy services, rehabilitation professionals, social services, dietary services, and other members of the interdisciplinary teamNursing Department ManagementRecruit, hire, orient, supervise, evaluate, and retain nursing staff, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistantsDevelop staffing schedules and assignments to support resident acuity, census, continuity of care, and applicable staffing requirementsMonitor attendance, performance, competency, and compliance with facility policiesProvide clinical guidance, coaching, counseling, and corrective action when necessaryMaintain adequate nursing coverage and establish plans for call-offs, emergencies, and unexpected staffing shortagesEnsure nursing personnel maintain required licenses, certifications, training, and competenciesRegulatory Compliance and Survey ReadinessEnsure nursing operations comply with applicable Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) requirements, federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations, and other applicable laws and standardsMaintain ongoing readiness for state surveys, federal surveys, complaint investigations, and other regulatory reviewsParticipate in survey preparation, exit conferences, plan-of-correction development, and implementation of corrective actionsMonitor nursing practices and documentation to identify and correct potential deficienciesEnsure timely reporting and investigation of incidents, allegations of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other reportable events as required by lawQuality Assurance and Performance ImprovementParticipate in and lead nursing-related Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activitiesAnalyze clinical indicators, incidents, adverse outcomes, rehospitalizations, falls, pressure injuries, weight loss, medication errors, and infection trendsDevelop, implement, and evaluate action plans to improve resident outcomes and reduce preventable risksConduct clinical audits and monitor compliance with corrective action plansCollaborate with facility leadership to promote accountability, quality improvement, and evidence-based practicesInfection Prevention and ControlOversee the facility's nursing-related infection prevention and control practices in collaboration with the designated Infection PreventionistEnsure compliance with hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, isolation precautions, cleaning protocols, and applicable infection reporting requirementsMonitor infections, outbreaks, antibiotic use, and infection-control trendsCoordinate staff education and implementation of appropriate infection prevention interventionsMedication and Treatment ManagementOversee safe medication administration and compliance with medication-related policies and applicable regulationsCoordinate with providers and pharmacy personnel regarding medication reviews, medication changes, and medication-related concernsMonitor controlled-substance practices, medication storage, treatment administration, and documentationInvestigate medication errors and implement appropriate education and prevention measuresStaff Education and CompetencyDevelop and coordinate nursing orientation, mandatory education, annual competencies, and ongoing professional developmentEnsure staff receive required training in resident rights, abuse prevention and reporting, infection control, emergency procedures, dementia care, and other applicable topicsProvide clinical education and mentoring to nursing personnelIdentify performance gaps and implement targeted education and competency assessmentsRisk Management and Incident ResponseInvestigate falls, injuries, medication errors, skin concerns, resident complaints, and other clinical incidentsEnsure timely documentation, appropriate notifications, and required reportingIdentify contributing factors and implement measures to prevent recurrenceCommunicate significant clinical concerns to the Administrator, Medical Director, attending providers, and other appropriate partiesPhysical and Work RequirementsAbility to work in a skilled nursing facility environment and respond to resident-care and operational needsAbility to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, providers, and regulatory representativesAbility to move throughout the facility and perform duties consistent with the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation as applicableAvailability for occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities as requiredPerformance ExpectationsQuality and safety of resident careCompliance with applicable federal and Missouri regulationsNursing documentation accuracy and completenessStaffing effectiveness, staff competency, and employee retentionInfection prevention and control outcomesReduction of preventable adverse events and repeat incidentsSurvey performance and timely completion of corrective actionsResident and family satisfactionAchievement of established nursing department goals and QAPI initiativesEqual Employment OpportunityThe facility is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions in accordance with applicable federal and Missouri law.Missouri Regulatory NoteFor a Missouri skilled nursing facility, the job description should specifically reflect these requirements:Registered Nurse: Missouri regulations require the Director of Nursing in a skilled nursing facility to be an RN.Full-time position: Missouri regulations require a full-time DON responsible for quality of resident care and supervision of personnel providing care.Staffing and clinical oversight: The facility must maintain appropriately qualified nursing personnel in sufficient numbers to meet residents' needs.Regulatory compliance: The DON's duties should address applicable Missouri DHSS and federal CMS requirements.