Director of Nursing

Director Of Nursing (Don) – Assisted LivingHeritage Grove Estates – The Terraces | Topeka, Kansas Assisted Living | Clinical LeadershipAt The Terraces at Heritage Grove Estates, our goal is to provide residents with the clinical support they need while preserving their independence, dignity, choice, and quality of life.We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Director Of Nursing (Don) to lead the clinical operations of our Assisted Living community. This position is ideal for a nurse leader who enjoys developing strong teams, building relationships with residents and families, and maintaining high standards of care.Key leadership position within our Assisted Living community Partner directly with the Administrator and facility leadership Lead and develop Nurses, Medication Aides, and CNAs Build meaningful relationships with residents and families Opportunity to strengthen clinical systems and resident outcomes Meaningful work where you can make a direct impactPosition OverviewThe Director Of Nursing (Don) is responsible for the overall leadership and oversight of clinical services at The Terraces.The Don leads the nursing and resident-care team while ensuring residents receive appropriate services based on their individual needs, preferences, and level of care.This position oversees resident assessments, service planning, medication management, changes in condition, clinical documentation, staff development, scheduling, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance.The Don works closely with the Administrator, Nurses, Medication Aides, CNAs, providers, pharmacies, residents, families, and other departments to maintain a safe, resident-centered Assisted Living environment.Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Leadership & Nursing OperationsProvide leadership and oversight of nursing and resident-care servicesMaintain a visible presence throughout the community and regularly round with residents and staffEstablish clear expectations for quality, accountability, communication, and resident-centered careProvide clinical guidance to Nurses, Medication Aides, CNAs, and other care team membersEnsure resident-care needs are appropriately communicated and addressedMonitor clinical operations and identify opportunities for improvementRespond to significant clinical concerns and resident-care needsPartner with the Administrator regarding clinical operations and community prioritiesResident Assessments & Service PlanningOversee resident assessments and ongoing evaluation of resident needsEnsure individualized service plans accurately reflect resident needs, preferences, abilities, and identified risksReview residents following significant changes in conditionEnsure service plans are updated as resident needs changeCoordinate with residents, families, providers, and staff regarding changes in servicesMonitor whether the community can safely and appropriately meet each resident's needsSupport admission and transition processes from a clinical perspectiveHelp ensure appropriate continuity of care when residents return from hospitals or other healthcare settingsMedication Management & Clinical OversightOversee medication-management practices throughout the communityPromote accurate and timely implementation of provider ordersMonitor medication administration practices and documentationProvide clinical oversight and support to Medication AidesReview medication errors, omissions, refusals, and other medication-related concernsCoordinate with providers and pharmacy partners regarding medication needsEnsure medications are appropriately stored, secured, and managedIdentify trends or concerns and implement corrective actions when necessaryChanges In Condition & Care CoordinationEnsure changes in resident condition are identified, documented, and communicated promptlyProvide clinical guidance when residents experience changes in physical, cognitive, behavioral, or emotional conditionEnsure providers and resident representatives are notified appropriatelyCoordinate follow-up after emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or other transitions of careReview new and changed provider orders and ensure timely implementationMonitor residents with increased clinical needs or identified risksPromote effective communication between shifts and members of the care teamHelp reduce avoidable resident-care concerns through early identification and interventionNursing Team Leadership & DevelopmentParticipate in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and onboarding nursing and resident-care employeesOrient and support new Nurses, Medication Aides, and CNAsProvide ongoing coaching, education, and performance feedbackEnsure employees maintain required licenses, certifications, and competenciesMonitor employee performance and address concerns in partnership with the Administrator and Human ResourcesPromote accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and effective communicationIdentify opportunities to develop and retain strong clinical team membersSupport employee recognition and engagement initiativesStaffing & SchedulingOversee nursing and resident-care staffing to support community needsReview schedules and ensure appropriate coverageRespond to staffing shortages, call-ins, and changing resident needsPartner with facility leadership and Human Resources on recruitment needsMonitor overtime and staffing utilizationPromote effective use of facility employees and responsible staffing practicesAssist with direct clinical coverage when necessary and appropriateMaintain appropriate leadership availability for significant clinical concerns and emergenciesQuality & Resident OutcomesMonitor resident-care trends and clinical outcomesReview falls, medication concerns, infections, hospital transfers, incidents, and other clinical eventsIdentify patterns and opportunities for improvementParticipate in quality-improvement initiativesComplete or oversee clinical audits and follow-upDevelop corrective action when identified concerns require improvementPromote proactive resident monitoring and early interventionWork collaboratively with leadership to continuously improve resident experience and outcomesRegulatory Compliance & Survey ReadinessEnsure nursing and resident-care services operate in accordance with applicable Kansas Assisted Living requirements and facility policiesMaintain ongoing readiness for regulatory surveys and inspectionsMonitor clinical documentation for completeness, accuracy, and timelinessParticipate in facility audits and compliance reviewsDevelop and implement corrective actions when deficiencies are identifiedEnsure appropriate follow-through on clinical compliance concernsMaintain required nursing records and documentationParticipate in survey processes and plans of correction as assignedInfection Prevention & Resident SafetyPromote appropriate infection-prevention and control practicesMonitor residents for signs and symptoms of infectionEnsure appropriate precautions and infection-control practices are followedSupport staff education regarding infection prevention, hand hygiene, and PPEMonitor resident safety concerns and implement appropriate interventionsReview falls, injuries, incidents, and other resident-safety eventsParticipate in emergency preparedness and facility emergency proceduresPromote a safe environment for residents, employees, and visitorsResident & Family RelationsBuild strong and professional relationships with residents and familiesMaintain visibility and accessibility as a member of the community leadership teamRespond promptly to clinical questions, concerns, and complaintsCommunicate significant changes in resident condition appropriatelyParticipate in resident and family meetings as neededFollow up on concerns to ensure appropriate resolutionPromote open communication and trust between residents, families, and the care teamMaintain resident privacy, dignity, confidentiality, and choiceResident Rights & Person-Centered CarePromote resident independence and the least restrictive approach to careEnsure residents are treated with dignity, compassion, and respectSupport individual preferences, routines, choices, and personal decisionsAdvocate for resident needs and quality of lifeEnsure concerns regarding abuse, neglect, exploitation, or resident safety are immediately reported and addressed according to applicable requirements and facility procedures