Assistant Director of Nursing

Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) – Job Description

Department: Nursing
Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON)
Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility / Long-Term Care

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) supports the Director of Nursing in managing daily clinical operations, ensuring quality resident care, overseeing nursing staff performance, and maintaining compliance with federal, state, and facility standards. The ADON provides leadership, education, and oversight to promote a safe, efficient, and resident-centered environment.

Primary Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Oversight

• Assist in planning, organizing, and directing the nursing department in accordance with current regulations and facility policies.

• Support development and implementation of care plans and ensure accuracy and timeliness of documentation.

• Participate in quality assurance and infection control initiatives.

• Conduct regular rounds to evaluate resident care, staff interactions, and clinical outcomes.

• Serve as clinical resource and escalation point for staff.

Staff Management

• Assist with recruitment, hiring, orientation, and training of nursing personnel.

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate performance of CNAs, CMAs, LPNs, and RNs.

• Help manage staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage.

• Address and resolve staff concerns, performance issues, and workflow problems.

• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain survey readiness at all times.

• Ensure compliance with State Department of Health, CMS, OSHA, and facility standards.

• Participate in preparing for, responding to, and following up on state and federal surveys.

• Monitor and ensure completion of assessments (MDS), physician orders, care plans, and required documentation.

Clinical Support & Problem Solving

• Act as DON designee in their absence.

• Oversee admissions, discharges, and resident transitions.

• Investigate incidents, falls, skin issues, change-in-condition events, and grievances.

• Communicate with physicians, families, and interdisciplinary team.

• Ensure timely and accurate medication administration, treatments, and clinical interventions.

Education & Training

• Coordinate ongoing education programs for nursing staff.

• Provide competency checks, skills validation, and annual in-services as required.

• Support onboarding of new staff and promote best practices in long-term care.

Qualifications

• Active RN/LPN Oklahoma license in good standing

• Long-term care or skilled nursing facility experience preferred.

• Prior leadership or charge nurse role strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, including CMS, state health codes, and LTC survey process.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and clinical decision-making skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and function in a fast-paced environment.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the facility, lift up to 50 lbs, and assist with resident care as needed.

• Occasional evenings, weekends, and on-call responsibilities.

• Ability to handle stressful or emergency situations calmly and efficiently.