The Opportunity:The
Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and clinical oversight of the nursing department within a skilled nursing facility. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality resident care, compliance with federal and state regulations, and the effective management of nursing staff to support positive clinical outcomes and operational excellence.
This position oversees nursing operations for a
158-bed skilled nursing facility with an average census of approximately
105 residents.
Key Responsibilities- Provide leadership and direction to all nursing staff, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, and resident-centered care.
- Oversee the planning, coordination, and evaluation of nursing services to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS and Maryland Department of Health requirements.
- Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies, procedures, and clinical standards.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate nursing management, including Assistant Directors of Nursing, Unit Managers, and licensed nursing staff.
- Collaborate with the Administrator, Medical Director, and interdisciplinary team to achieve quality, operational, and financial goals.
- Monitor quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives and implement corrective action plans as needed.
- Ensure appropriate staffing levels and effective workforce management to meet resident care needs.
- Participate in survey readiness activities and lead the nursing department during regulatory surveys.
- Investigate resident concerns, incidents, and clinical issues while implementing appropriate corrective measures.
- Promote staff development through education, coaching, and ongoing competency assessments.
- Manage departmental budgets, labor utilization, and resource allocation in collaboration with facility leadership.
- Foster positive relationships with residents, families, physicians, and community partners.
QualificationsRequired- Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Maryland (or eligibility for licensure by endorsement).
- Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience as either an Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) or Director of Nursing (DON) in a skilled nursing facility or long-term care setting.
- Thorough knowledge of federal and Maryland state regulations governing skilled nursing facilities.
- Demonstrated leadership, team development, and staff management experience.
- Strong clinical assessment and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Preferred- Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN); Master's degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration is a plus.
- Experience leading successful state and federal surveys.
- Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems and quality improvement programs.
Preferred Competencies- Strategic leadership and operational management
- Regulatory compliance and survey preparedness
- Quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI)
- Staff engagement, mentoring, and retention
- Clinical excellence and resident advocacy
- Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
- Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams
Work EnvironmentThis position is based onsite at a skilled nursing facility in Maryland serving approximately 105 residents within a licensed 158-bed community. The Director of Nursing is expected to provide visible leadership, participate in an on-call rotation, and support the facility as needed to ensure the delivery of exceptional resident care.
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