The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all nursing and resident care services within the Assisted Living and Memory Care community. The DON ensures the delivery of high-quality, resident-centered care while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position oversees clinical operations, nursing staff development, quality assurance programs, infection control initiatives, and coordination of care with physicians, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesClinical Leadership
- Direct and supervise all nursing and clinical services provided to residents in Assisted Living and Memory Care.
- Ensure residents receive individualized care based on assessments, service plans, physician orders, and regulatory requirements.
- Monitor resident health status and coordinate appropriate interventions as needed.
- Review and update resident care plans and service plans on a regular basis.
- Participate in resident admissions, transfers, and discharges.
- Oversee medication management and administration practices.
Staff Management
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate nursing personnel, including LPNs, and caregivers.
- Develop staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage and quality resident care.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective action when necessary.
- Ensure staff maintain required certifications, licenses, and continuing education requirements.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and resident-centered care.
Regulatory Compliance
- Maintain compliance with all applicable state assisted living regulations, memory care requirements, and company policies.
- Ensure proper documentation of resident care and clinical services.
- Prepare for and participate in state surveys, inspections, and audits.
- Investigate and report incidents, accidents, and unusual occurrences as required.
- Monitor compliance with infection prevention and control standards.
Quality Assurance & Risk Management
- Lead quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident outcomes and satisfaction.
- Monitor clinical indicators, incident reports, falls, infections, medication errors, and hospital readmissions.
- Implement corrective action plans when necessary.
Resident & Family Relations
- Serve as a clinical resource for residents, families, physicians, and staff.
- Communicate changes in resident condition to families and healthcare providers.
- Address resident and family concerns promptly and professionally.
- Foster positive relationships that support resident well-being and satisfaction.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Collaborate with Executive Director, physicians, , hospice providers, pharmacies, and other healthcare professionals.
- Participate in management meetings and resident care conferences.
- Support community initiatives that promote resident health, wellness, and engagement.
Qualifications / Education
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license preferred; Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) accepted where permitted by state regulations.
Experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of nursing leadership experience.
- Experience in Assisted Living, Memory Care, Long-Term Care, or Senior Living preferred.
- Experience working with residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of assisted living regulations and memory care best practices.
- Demonstrated leadership, management, and team-building skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and clinical documentation systems.
- Strong assessment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist residents as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to respond to emergencies and participate in resident care activities when necessary.
Work Environment
- Senior living community consisting of Assisted Living and Memory Care residents.
- Exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and healthcare-related hazards.
- May require on-call availability and participation in emergency response procedures.
Reporting Structure
Reports To: Executive Director / Administrator
Supervises: Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Medication Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants (where applicable), Caregivers, and other clinical staff.
Performance Expectations
Success in this role is measured by:
- Regulatory compliance and survey outcomes
- Resident health and safety outcomes
- Resident and family satisfaction
- Staff retention and engagement
- Clinical quality indicators
- Effective management of staffing and clinical operations
Equal Opportunity Employer: The organization is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person