Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing (Sheltered Care Facility)

Reports To: Administrator / Executive Director

Location: Wheeling, Illinois]

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

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Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) oversees the delivery of all resident care services within the sheltered care facility in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulations (77 Ill. Adm. Code 330), facility policies, and professional standards. The DON ensures that residents receive appropriate personal care, health supervision, and assistance in a manner that promotes dignity, safety, and well-being, consistent with the facility’s mission and philosophy of care.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Plan, organize, and direct the overall operations of the nursing and personal care services department.

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures for resident care services in compliance with IDPH Sheltered Care Facility regulations.

• Participate as a member of the facility’s leadership team in strategic planning, quality assurance, and risk management activities.

• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations applicable to sheltered care.

Resident Care Oversight

• Ensure that each resident’s health status is assessed upon admission and monitored regularly.

• Oversee the development and implementation of individualized service plans (ISPs) that meet residents’ personal and health care needs.

• Coordinate with residents’ physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate medical oversight and interventions as needed.

• Supervise medication administration and storage according to IDPH requirements.

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise nursing and personal care staff, including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Personal Care Aides.

• Schedule and assign staff to ensure appropriate coverage for all shifts.

• Evaluate staff performance, provide coaching, and enforce standards of care and conduct.

• Ensure that nursing personnel are properly licensed and trained in emergency procedures, infection control, and resident rights.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Conduct routine audits of resident records, medication administration, and care delivery.

• Monitor and report incidents, infections, and changes in resident condition to the Administrator and/or attending physician as required.

• Serve as liaison with IDPH surveyors and ensure readiness for inspections and audits.

• Lead the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives.

Resident & Family Relations

• Promote open communication with residents and families regarding care plans, progress, and concerns.

• Address and resolve complaints or grievances related to nursing or personal care services.

• Participate in resident care conferences and interdisciplinary meetings.

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Qualifications

Required:

• Current Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a long-term care, assisted living, or sheltered care setting.

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in healthcare.

• Strong knowledge of IDPH Sheltered Care Facility regulations (77 Ill. Adm. Code 330) and relevant long-term care standards.

Preferred:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher.

• Experience working with older adults and individuals requiring personal care rather than skilled nursing.

• Knowledge of quality improvement programs and survey processes.

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Core Competencies

• Leadership and team development

• Regulatory compliance and documentation accuracy

• Resident-centered care philosophy

• Communication and conflict resolution

• Organizational and time management skills

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Physical & Working Conditions

• Work performed in a residential care environment.

• Must be able to stand, walk, and assist residents as needed.

• May require occasional evening or weekend hours for emergencies or regulatory inspections.