Director of Nursing (DON)Location: Washington, DC
Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Position Summary
The Director of Nursing (DON) is the senior clinical leader responsible for all nursing operations, regulatory compliance, and clinical outcomes within the facility. This role owns the performance of the nursing department-staffing, quality, survey readiness, and resident care delivery.
This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strong operational control, accountability, and the ability to stabilize and elevate clinical performance in a fast-paced skilled nursing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Accountability- Lead all nursing operations across the facility (RNs, LPNs, CNAs)
- Own clinical outcomes including quality measures, infection control, and hospital readmissions
- Ensure consistent, high-quality resident care across all units and shifts
- Drive a culture of accountability, urgency, and professionalism
Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness- Maintain full compliance with CMS, DC Department of Health, and facility standards
- Lead all survey preparation, execution, and plan of correction processes
- Ensure clinical documentation meets regulatory and reimbursement requirements
Staffing & Team Management- Recruit, hire, and retain nursing staff in a competitive labor market
- Oversee scheduling, staffing ratios, and labor management
- Coach and develop nursing leadership team (ADONs, Unit Managers, Supervisors)
- Address performance issues directly and consistently
Clinical Systems & Reimbursement- Oversee MDS process, case mix index (CMI), and reimbursement alignment
- Partner with interdisciplinary team to ensure accurate assessments and care planning
- Monitor and improve clinical and financial performance tied to documentation
Interdisciplinary Collaboration- Work closely with Administrator, Medical Director, and department heads
- Lead clinical meetings including QAPI, risk, and care plan meetings
- Serve as primary clinical contact for families and external stakeholders
Operational Execution- Ensure systems are in place for consistent care delivery and compliance
- Step into operational gaps as needed-this is not a desk-only role
- Align nursing operations with overall facility goals and census strategy
Qualifications
Required:- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Washington, DC in good standing
- Minimum 3-5+ years of nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing facility (DON or strong ADON ready to step up)
- Deep knowledge of CMS regulations, survey process, and long-term care operations
- Proven track record managing teams, improving outcomes, and passing survey
Preferred:- Prior Director of Nursing experience in SNF
- Strong background in MDS, CMI, and reimbursement systems
- BSN or higher
What Success Looks Like
- Survey-ready building with strong compliance outcomes
- Stable, accountable nursing team with reduced agency use and turnover
- Improved clinical metrics (readmissions, infections, quality measures)
- Strong partnership with Administrator driving overall facility performance
