Traveling Director of Nursing (KC Region)

Nurse Specialist

The Nurse Specialist, reporting directly to the Regional Director of Nursing, provides clinical leadership, education, and operational support to senior living communities within an assigned region. This role partners with Executive Directors, Directors of Nursing/Memory Care Directors and interdisciplinary teams to promote quality care, regulatory compliance, and best practices across assisted living and memory care settings. The Regional Nurse Specialist regularly travels to communities to assess clinical systems, mentor nursing leaders, support surveys, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

This role requires frequent weekly travel across assigned communities and includes an auto and phone allowance.

Why Work for Cedarhurst:

• At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day.
• We believe our team is our greatest strength. That's why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We're committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us.
• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• Work that makes a difference in the lives of our residents and community
• Access to our St. Louis Home Office, which includes an on-site gym with brand new equipment, personal training, group classes, and stretching sessions (for visiting or office-based team members)
• Catered lunches and regular team events at our Home Office
• Auto and phone allowance to support you in a mobile, travel-based role
• A work-life balance approach designed with flexibility for employees who are frequently on the road
• Meaningful opportunities to build relationships with residents, families, and team members across multiple communities

Essential Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor to community nursing leaders, promoting consistent, high-quality resident care
• Conduct routine on-site clinical assessments and audits to evaluate compliance with company policies and state regulations for communities in assigned region.
• Assist communities with development and implementation of plans of correction following surveys or internal reviews
• Support onboarding and ongoing education of Directors of Nursing/Wellness and clinical staff
• Provide hands-on guidance related to medication management, resident assessments, service plans, infection control, and risk reduction
• Monitor key clinical metrics (falls, hospitalizations, weight loss, psychotropic use, incidents) and partner with communities on action plans
• Participate in pre-survey preparation and provide on-site support during regulatory inspections
• Assist with clinical investigations, root-cause analyses, and follow-up training
• Collaborate with corporate departments (Quality, Compliance, Operations, HR) to ensure alignment of initiatives
• Support new community openings, transitions, and leadership changes
• Maintain current knowledge of state regulations and industry best practices and translate them into operational workflows
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Education and/or Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Current RN license in good standing (multi-state licensure preferred)
• Minimum 35 years of nursing leadership experience in senior living, long-term care, or related healthcare setting
• Ability to travel within assigned region up to 100% of the time.
• Demonstrated knowledge of assisted living and memory care regulations and survey processes
• Experience with clinical education, auditing, and performance improvement
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Proficient with EHR systems and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and educate employees effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and organizational leadership.

Working Conditions:

• This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods.
• This position may need to lift up to twenty (50) pounds unassisted and up to two hundred (200) pounds with assistance.
• This position may need to move through areas of the corporate office or other worksites of the organization.
• This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment.
• Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self-improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.