Director of Nursing

Job Description

Director of Nursing (DON) - Skilled Nursing

Location: Shelton, WA
Job Type: Full-time

Are you an experienced Director of Nursing who knows how to take a clinical department, identify what needs to change, and build the systems necessary for lasting improvement?

Do you thrive in situations where your leadership, survey experience, and ability to hold a team accountable can make a measurable difference?

This could be the opportunity for you.

About the Facility

A 135-bed skilled nursing facility in the greater Shelton, WA area is seeking a strong and experienced Director of Nursing to lead its clinical operations.

The facility maintains an average daily census of approximately 92 residents , providing an established resident base and nursing team for the incoming DON to lead.

This opportunity is best suited for a Director of Nursing who is comfortable stepping into a building with significant opportunities for clinical and regulatory improvement .

The facility currently has particularly strong staffing metrics, with a 4-star CMS staffing rating , providing the incoming DON with a foundation to build upon while focusing on survey performance, clinical systems, resident outcomes, and overall quality.

About the Role

We're looking for a Director of Nursing who can provide visible, hands-on clinical leadership and bring structure, consistency, and accountability to the nursing department.

The incoming DON will play an important role in strengthening survey readiness and addressing areas identified during previous regulatory surveys.

The most recent survey in May 2025 resulted in 30 tags , compared with a state average of 16.2. Previous survey history has included findings related to pressure ulcers and accidents , making experience with clinical risk management, skin integrity, accident prevention, and plans of correction especially valuable.

This isn't simply a maintenance position. It's an opportunity for an experienced nursing leader to make a meaningful impact on the facility's clinical performance.

What You'll Do

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the nursing department.
• Ensure residents receive high-quality care consistent with their individual needs and care plans.
• Establish clear clinical expectations, policies, procedures, and accountability systems.
• Evaluate current nursing processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain ongoing survey readiness rather than waiting until the survey window.
• Lead survey preparation, survey response, and corrective action efforts.
• Develop and implement sustainable Plans of Correction when deficiencies are identified.
• Monitor accidents and incidents and ensure appropriate investigation, documentation, intervention, and follow-up.
• Strengthen fall prevention and resident safety programs.
• Oversee skin integrity and pressure injury prevention programs.
• Monitor changes in resident condition and ensure timely clinical interventions.
• Conduct regular clinical and regulatory rounds.
• Review nursing documentation for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Coach, educate, and develop nursing staff.
• Hold team members accountable to established clinical and performance standards.
• Collaborate with administration, nursing leadership, physicians, therapy, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Monitor quality measures and use clinical data to drive improvements.
• Support recruitment, retention, and development of a strong nursing team.

You'll Be a Great Fit If You:

• Are a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) eligible to practice in Washington.
• Have previous Director of Nursing experience in skilled nursing or long-term care .
• Have successfully managed state surveys and regulatory compliance.
• Understand CMS requirements and skilled nursing regulations.
• Have experience developing and implementing Plans of Correction.
• Know how to identify the root causes behind repeat clinical or regulatory issues.
• Have strong experience with accident and incident management, fall prevention, and resident safety .
• Understand pressure injury prevention, skin management, and related clinical documentation.
• Can establish effective systems and ensure they remain in place.
• Are comfortable holding staff accountable while maintaining a professional and supportive leadership style.
• Can confidently lead a facility through periods of clinical or operational improvement.
• Are highly visible and willing to spend time on the units with residents and nursing staff.

The Opportunity

For the right nursing leader, this position offers the chance to make a significant and visible impact .

The facility's current CMS ratings demonstrate both strengths and areas where an experienced DON can make a difference:

Staffing: 4 Stars
Quality Measures: 3 Stars

The primary opportunity is strengthening clinical systems and regulatory performance while leveraging an already strong staffing foundation.

With approximately 92 residents in a 135-bed facility , the incoming DON will have the opportunity to evaluate current practices, develop the nursing team, improve resident outcomes, and establish systems designed to produce sustainable results.

Ready for a Leadership Challenge?

If you're an experienced Director of Nursing who enjoys building strong clinical systems, developing staff, improving survey outcomes, and creating accountability , we'd like to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to take what you know as a nursing leader and use it to make a genuine difference for residents, staff, and the entire community.

Apply today to learn more about this Director of Nursing opportunity in Kansas!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in the workplace. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In person
License/Certification: Registered Nurse license applicable to Washington (Required)