Position Overview:
The Director of Nursing is responsible for organizing and overseeing all nursing operations within the facility. This role involves directing the day-to-day nursing functions in strict accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations that govern long-term care facilities. The DON ensures adherence to facility policies and procedures to provide the highest degree of quality care to all patients and residents at all times.
Leadership & Oversight:
- Direct, oversee, and evaluate all nursing personnel (Registered Nurses, LPNs, etc.).
- Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the facility's nursing programs and activities.
- Delegate a responsible staff member to act on your behalf when absent from the facility.
- Report to upper management.
Operations & Compliance:
- Organize and coordinate admission, nursing, and patient care procedures.
- Develop and enforce policies to ensure legal compliance and high quality standards.
- Make routine inspections to confirm established nursing policies and procedures are being implemented and followed, reporting findings to the Administrator.
- Resolve issues and deficiencies as needed.
- Ensure appropriate policies are followed for background checks and reporting to a Nurse Aide Registry.
- Participate in facility surveys (inspections) by authorized government agencies and report activities to the Administrator.
- Manage record-keeping procedures.
Interdepartmental Collaboration & Communication:
- Assist nursing managers and charge nurses with the development and implementation of performance evaluations.
- Assist nursing in developing and using nursing departmental policies and procedures, fostering a team-oriented rapport among all departments.
- Collaborate with other departments and professionals to streamline operations.
- Interpret the facility's policies and procedures to employees, residents, family members, visitors, and government agencies as necessary.
- Maintain an adequate liaison with families and residents.
- Represent the facility at and participate in nursing meetings relevant to the long-term care industry, reporting activities to the Administrator.
Financial Management:
- Control budgets and monitor expenditures.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Director of Nursing in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) setting.
- Valid Tennessee (TN) RN license or compact state license.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a DON is preferred.
