Director of Nursing (DON) - Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Nursing (DON) to oversee clinical operations and lead our nursing team. The DON provides executive-level clinical leadership, ensuring 24/7 high-quality care, regulatory survey readiness, and resident safety while fostering a supportive culture for nursing staff.

• Compensation: $120,000 – $130,000 / year (Base Salary)

• Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt (On-call availability required)

• Reports To: Nursing Home Administrator / Executive Director

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Operations

• Plan, direct, and evaluate all nursing operations and resident care programs across all shifts.

• Conduct clinical audits, oversee care plan development, and monitor outcomes for high-risk residents (e.g., wounds, falls, weight loss).

• Collaborate with physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and families to manage resident health and emergency responses.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure strict adherence to federal (CMS), state, and local long-term care regulations.

• Lead state survey preparation, response strategies, and implementation of Plan of Correction (POC) actions.

• Chair the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee, driving clinical policy enhancements.

Staffing & Team Development

• Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, and retention for RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.

• Establish master staffing schedules to meet required nurse-to-resident ratios and budget limits.

• Provide continuous coaching, mentorship, and ongoing clinical education to build staff competency.

Requirements & Qualifications

Required:

• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.

• Minimum 3+ years of clinical nursing management experience (e.g., DON, ADON, or Unit Manager) in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Long-Term Care (LTC) setting.

• Comprehensive working knowledge of CMS regulations, state health department guidelines, and the RAI/MDS process.

• Current BLS/CPR certification.

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or MSN.

• Certified Director of Nursing Administration (CDONA) or equivalent certification.

• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) (e.g., PointClickCare).

Benefits & Total Rewards

• Competitive salary ($120k – $130k) with performance/survey bonus opportunities

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Professional development and continuing education reimbursement