Director of Nursing Services

Job Description

We are seeking a strategic and accountable Director of Nursing Services (DNS) to lead clinical operations at Morningside Heights. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality resident care, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving quality improvement initiatives across the facility.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a nursing leader who excels in long-term care, values operational excellence, and is passionate about staff development and resident-centered care.

As Director of Nursing Services, you will provide leadership for all nursing operations and ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and compliant care.

In this role, you will:

• Oversee total nursing care of residents and ensure accuracy of nursing documentation

• Lead the admissions evaluation process based on resident needs and staff capabilities

• Ensure compliance with all federal and state Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) regulations

• Manage and oversee the MDS and care planning process

• Establish and implement policies and procedures for resident care and clinical services

• Determine appropriate staffing levels and develop 24/7 nursing coverage plans

• Participate in facility budgeting, planning, and operational decision-making

• Lead quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives

• Develop monitoring tools, collect data, and drive continuous quality improvement

• Coordinate onboarding, orientation, and ongoing development of nursing staff

• Delegate responsibilities appropriately while ensuring accountability and compliance

• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care planning

• Oversee discharge and transfer planning for residents

• Ensure understanding and application of Medicare and Medicaid coverage requirements

• Promote a safe environment for residents and staff

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice (required upon hire)

• 4–6 years of experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, or similar setting (required)

• 1–3 years of leadership experience (preferred)

• Strong knowledge of SNF regulations, MDS process, and care planning

• Experience in quality improvement programs such as QAPI

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to develop staff and lead teams in a clinical setting

• Medium physical demands (lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally)

• Potential exposure to: communicable diseases, blood or body fluids, chemicals, and mechanical/environmental hazards

• Moderate noise level

• Requires visual acuity and ability to distinguish colors

• Safety-sensitive position

This position offers the opportunity to lead clinical excellence in a long-term care setting while shaping quality outcomes, staff engagement, and resident satisfaction. You will play a critical role in driving care standards and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

If you are a dedicated nursing leader with a passion for long-term care and operational excellence, we encourage you to apply and make an impact in a mission-driven healthcare environment.