The director of nursing (DON) — sometimes called the executive director of nursing or the director of nursing operations — supervises the entire nursing department of a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other healthcare facility. This top-level administrative role comes with many responsibilities that will vary depending on the facility, but can include overseeing all nursing professionals and operations, acting as a liaison between nursing staff and other departments, reviewing policies and procedures, managing expenses, and more.
IntelyCare can help you find DON jobs and assistant director of nursing (ADON) jobs that fulfill your career goals. You can also have a look at similar roles such as CNO jobs and nurse manager jobs. Get started today.
Education and Certifications for a DON Job
To qualify for director of nursing positions, it’s expected that you will have worked as a nurse for a number of years in addition to holding nurse leader roles. Employers may prefer a candidate that has an advanced degree — either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).
To stand out in the applicant pool, you may want to pursue credentials such as:
Certified director of nursing (CDONA)
Director of nursing services certification (DNS-CT)
Resume and Cover Letter for Director or Nursing Positions
Make sure to tailor each resume and cover letter to a specific DON job ad. For instance, if a hospital is looking to hire a DON to “plan and execute all activities related to staffing, including hiring, orienting, evaluating, and continuing education initiatives” and you have relevant experience, include the phrase on your resume, and expound on your successes in that area on your cover letter.
Need help with your application materials? Our sample director of nursing resume and cover letter offer clear guidelines on the content and formatting that employers may be hoping to see.
Interviewing for DON Jobs
In this and other executive healthcare roles, you’re expected to have exceptional people skills. Demonstrate your communication know-how during the job interview by taking ample time to prepare in advance. Review common director of nursing interview questions and craft your answers with both nurses and patients in mind. Be sure your words and demeanor reflect the values and mission of the facility at which you are interviewing.
Director of Nursing Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track salary data for a director of nursing job. However, the role can be considered a type of medical and health services manager, whose annual average salary is $134,440. Base salaries can be influenced by your years of experience, education and certifications, employer, and location. To see what director of nursing jobs’ salary expectations are in your area, click on some of the current jobs on IntelyCare.
Explore Director of Nursing Jobs on IntelyCare
Take a look at all the open director of nursing positions and assistant director of nursing positions available right now. Want additional options? Learn how IntelyCare can match you with even more nursing jobs that interest you.
Responsibilities The Clinical Director is responsible and accountable for the delivery of safe, effective, direct and indirect, patient-family centered care on the medical/surgical unit (s). The Clinical Director is responsible for initiating, guiding, and directing the coordination of services provided by the designated nursing unit(s).The Clinical Director functions as a resource person for staff members and provides necessary education & training, assists the Clinical Coordinators with competency validation and performance reviews of individual members of the nursing staff, assumes responsibility for the overall quality of nursing care provided by specified units, makes decisions regarding patient care activities in area of responsibility. The Clinical Director is responsible for the oversight of the departmental budget and management of staff. Qualifications MINIMUM EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited nursing program. Bachelor Degree preferred or equivalent experience, education and training. MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years clinical nursing experience in an Acute Care setting required; 2 years in Medical Surgical preferred. Minimum of 2 years nursing management or leadership experience required. REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Current licensure in Texas as a Registered Nurse. Basic Life Support Certification through the American Heart Association REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: Excellent interpersonal skills; analytical skills, computer skills, and basic finance knowledge. Must have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Medical Surgical environment, demonstrated leadership abilities, financial competence, and sound management abilities. Good command of the English language, both verbal and written. Ability to work well with physicians, employees, patients and others. Ability to resolve complex issues through utilization of appropriate communication techniques. High energy, outgoing, and self-starter. ABOUT OAKBEND: OakBend Medical Center is an independent hospital providing exceptional and compassionate care to patients and the community since 1950. The OakBend family consists of outstanding team members caring for the community at three hospitals and many specialty centers. OakBend’s services and programs include its signature No Wait ER, an advanced trauma center, certified stroke program, hospital air ambulance services and a hospital-based skilled nursing facility. We remain committed to providing a rewarding environment to our team members, to providing necessary services to the community and to developing the best methods to care for our patients, ensuring a healthy future for generations.
You Matter • Make a difference every day in the lives of the underserved• Join a mission driven organization with a people first culture• Excellent career growth opportunities Join us and find a career that supports: • Caring for overlooked, underserved, and vulnerable patients• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging• Autonomy in a warm team environment• Growth and training Perks and Benefits In addition to comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, and 401k, we foster a work, life balance for team members and their family to support physical, mental, and financial wellbeing including: • DailyPay, receive your money as you earn it! • Tuition Assistance and dependent Scholarships• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching• Company paid life insurance• Tax free Health Spending Accounts (HSA)• Wellness program featuring fitness memberships and product discounts• Preferred banking partnership and discounted rates for home and auto loans *Eligibility for perks and benefits varies based on employee type and length of service. Why Us Now is your moment to make a difference in the lives of the underserved. If there is one unifying characteristic of everyone on our team, it is the deep desire to make a difference by helping society's most vulnerable and often overlooked individuals. Every day we have the distinct honor and responsibility to show up with non-judgmental compassion to provide hope and healing to those who need it most. For those whose calling it is to serve others, now is your moment to join our mission to provide quality care to every patient with compassion, collaboration, and innovation, to live our mantra to “Always Do The Right Thing!”, and to collectively do our part to heal the world, one patient at a time. Wellpath sees hundreds of thousands of unique individuals in their facilities month over month and a very large percent of those individuals receive direct clinical care, which includes lives saved by Narcan. We offer ongoing training and development opportunities for licensed and unlicensed healthcare team members, and have best in class clinical resources for training, education, and point of care support. How you make a difference The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) is responsible for managing and supervising the nursing staff and operations of the facility to ensure that patients receive appropriate healthcare services. They work collaboratively with the Director of Nursing (DON) and other members of the healthcare team to oversee and implement nursing policies and procedures. The ADON also ensures compliance with regulatory guidelines and maintains a safe and healthy environment for patients and staff. Key Responsibilities Supervises nursing staff, including performance reviews, hiring, and disciplinary action. Evaluates patient care quality and implements improvement initiatives, collaborating with Nurse Managers and DON. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and organization policies and procedures. Participates in policy and procedure development and hospital-wide employee orientations. Provides professional nursing care as needed to respond to workload demands or staffing shortages. Additional Details Marion County Jail - 695 Justice Way Qualifications & Requirements Education Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or related field. Master’s degree preferred Experience Three (3) years’ experience in psychiatric inpatient setting with an additional two (2) years of supervisory experience. Two (2) years of post-licensure clinical nursing experience working exclusively with individuals diagnosed with mental illness or multiple disabilities. Regulatory agency knowledge including The Joint Commission, DHSS, Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services is preferred. Licenses/Certifications Current licensure as a Registered Nurse within the state of employment. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of uniqueness. We celebrate a variety of backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage you to apply! If you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t seem to align perfectly with every element of the job description, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this, or one of our many other roles. Deadline to apply to this position is contingent upon applicant volume. Those positions located in Colorado will have a specific deadline posted in the job description. We are an Affirmative Action Employer in accordance with applicable state and local laws.
Responsibilities The primary purpose of the Assistant Director of Nursing UH (Unit Based) position is to operationalize and transition changes in the care delivery system of a unit or set of units through the skillful directing, coaching, support, and delegation to staff in the provision of clinically safe, fiscally sound, compassionate care and services to achieve safety, patient/family goals and patients/family satisfaction. The Assistant Director has (24) hour responsibility for the unit’s service area and develops a dynamically functioning interdisciplinary team. She/he sustains the daily operational functioning of the units/services area and makes immediate modifications to prevent impediments, errors, and delays in goals achievement. This role is also accountable for the execution of the units/services area Performance Improvement Plan. She/he engenders confidence, trust and fosters collaborative/collegial relationships that generate staff achievement and pride. The Assistant Director facilitates an atmosphere of interactive management and the development of collegial relationships among the nursing personnel and other disciplines. The Assistant Director facilitates change through education, demonstrating skill in implementing practices changes. She/he collaborates with the Department of Education and Professional Development and assists in presentations, orientations, and other house-wide education/training Qualifications Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is required. Master’s Degree in a related field is preferred. One (1) year minimum of nursing managerial experience preferred. Minimum of three (3) years clinical care delivery experience. BLS (CPR) is required.
Overview At Houston Methodist, the Director Nursing position is responsible for the 24/7 management of the assigned nursing units and departments in terms of the quality of nursing care delivered, as well as for planning, organizing, leading and evaluating nursing services within area of specialty. This position provides leadership and oversight in the accomplishment of strategic and operational objectives of the Department of Nursing. The Director Nursing position provides strategic direction for nursing and business operations, responsible for establishing strategic and tactical plans for clinical services, new programs and human resource allocation. This position promotes a practice environment that empowers nurses to provide effective, compassionate, efficient and knowledgeable nursing care. The Director Nursing position works in cooperation with the Medical Staff to ensure regulations and accreditation standards are maintained.The Director position responsibilities include overseeing the activities of the department staff, ensuring quality, productivity, functional excellence and efficiency to accomplish strategic and operational objectives. In addition, this position is accountable for employee engagement, adequate staffing levels, budget development and compliance, staffing decisions such as hiring and terminating employment, coaching and counseling employees on work related performance, and developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and effective work environment. This position also ensures training, monitoring and operations initiatives are implemented which secure compliance with ethical and legal business practices and accreditation/regulatory/government regulations. Houston Methodist Standard PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity. HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values: INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do. COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs. ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions. RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value. EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate. Practices the Caring and Serving Model Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words) Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values Responsibilities PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Directs, develops and implements strategic and operational/high level projects and processes either through independent/highly autonomous work or through the facilitation of work teams to enable the effective and efficient completion of objectives. Oversees management of and ensures development for staff to meet overall objectives in terms of quality, service and cost effectiveness. Provides timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem. Directs management responsibilities of selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees. Meets or exceeds threshold goal for department turnover and/or system metrics on employee engagement indicators. Provides leadership and communication to maintain a competent and engaged employee group by conducting regular department meetings to review policies and procedures and operational matters, rounding on all employees, completing performance appraisals, conducting new hire feedback sessions, coaching/corrective counseling, and providing recognition/commendations to achieve desired outcomes. Identifies opportunities and takes action to build strategic relationships between one's area and other areas, teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals. Drives the promotion of teamwork within and between departments; participates and/or leads and facilitates department process improvements as needed. Implements change, demonstrating the ability to motivate employees and follow through to ensure change in behavior has actually occurred. Motivates staff, researching and implementing strategies to keep employees engaged while maintaining compliance in terms of the quality of nursing care delivered. SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Oversees department operations, designated projects, schedules and activities as needed to ensure that goals or objectives are accomplished within the prescribed time frame. Sets priorities and functional standards, giving direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer/patient satisfaction. Drives department service standards and activities to impact department and/or system score for patient/customer-based satisfaction, through role modeling and fostering accountability. Serves and actively participates on various entity committees as a voice for the department. Maintains 24-hour/7-days a week accountability and authority for decisions regarding patient care, department operations and personnel management for designated unit(s). QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Ensures a safe and effective working environment; monitors and/or revises the department safety plan and/or any specific accreditation/regulatory required safety guidelines. Responsible for staff maintenance of credentials and competencies, per accrediting/licensing agency and/or department guidelines as applicable. Employs a proactive approach in the optimization of safe outcomes and information systems by monitoring and improving the department workflow and enhancing operations, using peer-to-peer accountability and identifying solutions via collaboration. Implements process improvements utilizing tools such as lean principles. Role models situational awareness, using teachable moments to improve safety. Responsible for employee compliance to policies and procedures and performs associated actions upon non-compliance (i.e., licensure/certification compliance, focal point review requirements, disaster plan, in-services, influenza immunization, wage and hour, standard hours, timely termination submission, timely timecard approval, etc.). Remains current and proficient with regulatory requirements for the provision of clinical services. Translates the requirements into operations to ensure compliance. Uses automated systems to access, transmit and produce information. Coordinates the provision of comprehensive, interprofessional patient care that results in clinical excellence, optimal outcomes and maximum patient and family satisfaction. FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Develops and manages department operational and capital budgets, approvals, and ongoing maintenance of the department(s), ensuring operation in a cost-effective manner. Proactively identifies and plans for capital needs related to current equipment and future department projects. Ensures staffing plans and schedules meet department needs that reflect understanding of the importance of cost-effectiveness. Creates department strategies to achieve financial target and staffing needs, through optimizing productivity, supply/resource efficiency, minimizing incidental overtime and overtime percentage, and other areas according to department specifications. Projects anticipated volume and demand for resources, conducts cost analysis, analyzes, and monitors budget reports and variances, evaluating human and material resource utilization and making necessary adjustments. Analyzes and interprets complex data sets and reports (variance analysis, financial/quality, population specific reports). GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Identifies and implements innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department, entity or system operations by leading unit projects and/or other department/ system-directed activities. Proactively leads task forces and committees. May represent HM at assigned community or professional organization meetings. Drives change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures. Partners effectively with stakeholders as appropriate. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates My Development Plan (MDP) on an on-going basis. Conducts conversations with staff on their development and MDP. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Qualifications EDUCATION Bachelor's degree and Master's degree one of which is nursing. If no current Master's degree must obtain within two years; must be enrolled in a degree program at time of transfer/hire WORK EXPERIENCE Three years experience in a clinical setting, two of those years with people management experience License/Certification LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED RN - Registered Nurse - Texas State Licensure -- Compact Licensure - Must obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days (if establishing Texas residency) AND Magnet-ANCC Recognized Leadership Certification within 1 year KSA/ Supplemental Data KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially about activities impacting patient or employee safety or security Demonstrates the ability to interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one's own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individuals involved Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills Ability to identify and understand issues, problems and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences Extensive knowledge of regulatory and accreditation agency requirements that impact department; stays abreast of industry changes Demonstrates highly effective communication skills-strong written communications and platform presentation abilities Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace Capable of leading teams/facilitating groups, building consensus and garnering highest confidence in professionalism and work product by senior leadership Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities; highly responsive and solution/action oriented Proficiency in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software Maintains a positive and supportive attitude and demeanor Professional handling of exposure to confidential/sensitive information SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS WORK ATTIRE Uniform No Scrubs No Business professional Yes Other (department approved) No ON-CALL* *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below. On Call* Yes TRAVEL** **Travel specifications may vary by department** May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No Company Profile Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital opened in December 2000 to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community in Northwest Houston. The 310 bed hospital has 23 operating rooms, and more than 2,100 employees. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is Northwest Houston's regional leader in robotic minimally-invasive surgeries and specializes in cardiology and cardiovascular services, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, and comprehensive cancer services. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has a Breast Care Center, Cancer Center, Imaging Center, Infusion Center, Sleep Center, Surgical Weight Loss Center and operates the largest Childbirth Center in the greater Northwest Houston area.
Job Description Lead with passion and compassion as our Director of Nursing at Balfour at Littleton! Direct our top-tier Assisted Living Program, ensuring superior care services are delivered with excellence. Drive resident assessments, medication management, safety protocols, and department budgets as a dynamic and motivating leader. What will I do every day? Complete accurate and regular resident assessments Determine the appropriate level of care Maintain all resident information, files, and reports Supervise and administer all resident medications Maintain emergency plans and meet all safety requirements Coordinate care provided by third parties, maintaining positive relationships with a variety of third-party care providers Manage Assisted Living budget and expenses Forecast and schedule necessary levels of staffing Conduct departmental planning and forecasting Hire and train care team associates Manage and improve resident and family satisfaction What will I need to be successful in this role? Three to five years of management experience BS degree in human services, psychology, nursing, or related fields Experience in working with seniors Care Services Director experience / Director of Nursing experience in the state of Maryland highly preferred Special Requirements/Certifications: Licensed as an RN/LPN/LVN required CPR Certified First Aid Certified Universal Precautions trained What’s in it for me? (Great Question!) Competitive pay: $90,000-$100,000/Yr. depending on experience and license A free meal per shift Healthcare Benefits including Vision & Dental Matching 401k Paid Time Off Rewards and Bonus Opportunities Continuous Training and Growth Opportunities What do we do? We create a great place to live for our residents and a great place to work for our associates. Kisco Senior Living has been a dynamic, award-winning leader in the senior living industry for over 34 years. All offers of employment are subject to satisfying our pre-employment process which includes: successfully passing a drug screen, TB Test and Background Check *Kisco Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Responsibilities The primary purpose of the Assistant Director of Nursing UH (Unit Based) position is to operationalize and transition changes in the care delivery system of a unit or set of units through the skillful directing, coaching, support, and delegation to staff in the provision of clinically safe, fiscally sound, compassionate care and services to achieve safety, patient/family goals and patients/family satisfaction. The Assistant Director has (24) hour responsibility for the unit’s service area and develops a dynamically functioning interdisciplinary team. She/he sustains the daily operational functioning of the units/services area and makes immediate modifications to prevent impediments, errors, and delays in goals achievement. This role is also accountable for the execution of the units/services area Performance Improvement Plan. She/he engenders confidence, trust and fosters collaborative/collegial relationships that generate staff achievement and pride. The Assistant Director facilitates an atmosphere of interactive management and the development of collegial relationships among the nursing personnel and other disciplines. The Assistant Director facilitates change through education, demonstrating skill in implementing practices changes. She/he collaborates with the Department of Education and Professional Development and assists in presentations, orientations, and other house-wide education/training. Qualifications Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is required. Master’s Degree in a related field is preferred. One (1) year minimum of nursing managerial experience preferred. Minimum of three (3) years clinical care delivery experience. BLS (CPR) is required.
