Director of Nursing DON

Director of Nursing DON

SALARY:$150,000 to $165,000 Per Year

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 

• Life Insurance 

• Disability Insurance 

• 401K 

• Paid Time Off

Position Summary:

As the Director of Nursing, you will lead and direct all aspects of our nursing services department. You will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, resident-centered care in compliance with facility policies and all applicable regulations. This role requires strong leadership, clinical expertise, and a commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment for our nursing staff. You will be responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing practices to optimize resident outcomes and staff performance.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain the philosophy, objectives, policies, and standards of nursing practice aligned with the facility's goals and mission.

• Champion a culture of respect, dignity, and fairness in the treatment of all residents.

• Establish, maintain, and regularly update written policies and procedures for the nursing department, ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards.

• Conduct daily rounds to observe residents, assess their needs, and ensure nursing care is being delivered effectively.

• Review nursing documentation to verify accuracy, completeness, and reflection of the individualized plan of care and resident responses.

• Collaborate with the Administrator in developing, allocating, and managing the nursing department budget.

• Cultivate positive and professional relationships with the community, residents, families, and physicians.

• Serve as a key liaison between the medical staff and the nursing services department, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.

• Provide clear direction and guidance to nursing staff through established policies, procedures, meetings, and written communications.

• Develop both short-term and long-term strategic plans for the nursing department that align with the overall facility objectives.

• Actively participate in relevant facility committees (e.g., Patient Care Policy, Pharmaceutical Services, Infection Control, Safety, Quality Improvement) to contribute to the evaluation of facility activities and recommend improvements impacting nursing services.

• Participate in the pre-admission assessment of prospective residents to determine appropriate care levels based on their needs and the facility's capabilities.

• Be available on-call for emergencies 24 hours a day.

• Coordinate the development and implementation of infection control procedures in accordance with company policies, ensuring staff training and adherence to all infection control protocols.

• Recommend necessary nursing care equipment and supplies to the Administrator and ensure adequate availability.

• Ensure timely notification of significant changes in a resident's health condition to their attending physician and family/responsible party.

• Oversee the implementation of resident care plans, ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changing needs.

• Collaborate effectively with all other facility departments to ensure seamless and comprehensive resident care.

• Verify that all physician orders are accurately followed and documented.

• Ensure thorough documentation and reporting of all resident accidents or incidents in compliance with facility policies and relevant regulations.

• Determine and manage nursing department staffing levels to meet the diverse needs of our residents.

• Coordinate and manage supervisory and ancillary nursing staff schedules.

• Lead the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of qualified nursing personnel.

• Conduct performance evaluations for nursing staff, providing constructive feedback and addressing performance issues according to company policy.

• Prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents by actively participating in fire safety and accident prevention measures. Ensure compliance with all safety, health, fire, and sanitation codes, including familiarity with MSDS.

• Ensure that residents and their families receive the highest quality of service in a compassionate and respectful environment that honors individual needs and rights.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, college, or university.

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of New Jersey.

• Minimum of five (5) years of full-time (or equivalent) clinical nursing experience.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a nursing supervisory role within a long-term care setting.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Job Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and provide clear direction and discipline within the nursing department.

• Strong ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make necessary decisions.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with personnel, residents, families, visitors, and regulatory agencies.

• Proven ability to develop and implement effective programs, policies, and procedures to ensure the highest quality of resident care.

• Comprehensive knowledge of nursing and medical practices, procedures, and relevant long-term care regulations and guidelines.

• Thorough understanding of licensing and certification requirements.

• Annual verification of a negative TB skin test.

Additional Responsibilities:

• In the absence of the Administrator and/or licensed Assistant Administrator, may be responsible for carrying out administrative duties.

• Actively engages with residents, families, visitors, and employees.

• Willingness to provide hands-on care and support as needed.