Director of Nursing (DON)
The primary purpose of the Director of Nursing (DON) position is to plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operations of the Nursing Services Department in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, professional Standards of Practice, and all federal, state, and local regulations. This position ensures that the highest level of resident care quality is consistently maintained, while also supporting the goals and directives set by the Administrator and Medical Director.
Delegation of Authority
The Director of Nursing is granted full administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability for managing all nursing services. In the absence of the Medical Director, the DON is authorized to implement and uphold the resident care policies established by the facility.
Key Job Functions & Responsibilities
While not limited to these duties, the Director of Nursing is primarily responsible for:
1. Administrative Oversight
- Direct and evaluate nursing department operations and programs.
- Maintain and update policies, procedures, manuals, and job descriptions.
- Organize nursing services structure and interdepartmental coordination.
2. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with all nursing-related regulations and standards.
- Lead and maintain Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
- Participate in government surveys and implement corrective action plans.
3. Staff Leadership & Development
- Develop and update job descriptions for nursing personnel.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and evaluations for nursing staff.
- Ensure staffing levels support high-quality resident care.
4. Resident Care & Coordination
- Oversee nursing aspects of discharge planning and care transitions.
- Coordinate nursing services with other departments and contracted providers.
- Address and resolve resident and family concerns regarding nursing care.
5. Incident Management & Investigations
- Assist in abuse investigations, adverse incident reporting, and pattern tracking.
- Support the Infection Preventionist in implementing infection control programs.
- Ensure nursing staff compliance with abuse prevention and reporting protocols.
6. Medication & Treatment Oversight
- Work with the Consultant Pharmacist to develop medication policies and procedures.
- Monitor safe administration and control of medications and medical supplies.
Education Requirements
- Must possess, at a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university.
- Must be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing with the appropriate state licensing board.
Experience Requirements
- Must have a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other related healthcare setting.
- Must have at least two (2) years of experience or formal training in rehabilitative and restorative nursing practices.