Director of Nursing Services

Ryders Health Management

$100K — $120K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Valid, unrestricted RN license in Connecticut.
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program, BSN preferred; advanced education (MSN or higher) is an asset.
  • Minimum of 2+ years clinical nursing experience; long-term care experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in healthcare settings.
  • Ability to design and evaluate nursing education programs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic and operational leadership for nursing services.
  • Direct and support nursing staff, overseeing hiring and performance management.
  • Develop and enforce nursing policies aligned with clinical standards and regulations.
  • Ensure adequate staffing and skill mix to meet resident needs.
  • Oversee clinical operations and care planning to optimize resident outcomes.
  • Initiate Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain compliance with regulations and lead inspections.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Training and Orientation
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Longevity Awards
Full Job Description
LOCATION:

Newington, CT

POSITION TYPE:

Full-Time

SHIFT(S):

Days/Weekends/Evenings as needed

BENEFITS - Full-Time:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • FSA and HSA with applicable group medical plan
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Employer Paid Life Insurance
  • Paid Meal Period
  • Longevity Awards
  • Short & Long-Term Disability
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Perfect Attendance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Discounts
  • Shift Differential for Weekend, Evening & Night Shifts
  • Casual Fridays
  • Paid Training and Orientation
  • Uniform Allowance


JOB SUMMARY:

Are you an experienced nursing leader ready to guide clinical excellence and elevate the quality of care across a skilled nursing facility? We are seeking a full-time Director of Nursing Services (DNS) to lead, support, and inspire our nursing team in delivering exceptional, resident-centered care.

The Director of Nursing Services is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of nursing services, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations while promoting a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role is instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment where staff are empowered, residents receive the highest standard of care, and quality outcomes are consistently achieved.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all nursing services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and resident-centered care throughout the facility.
• Direct, supervise, and support nursing staff, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and enforce nursing policies and procedures in accordance with current clinical standards and federal and Connecticut state regulations.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and appropriate skill mix to meet resident needs and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Oversee clinical operations, including care planning, resident assessments, and coordination of services to optimize outcomes and quality of life.
• Lead Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, monitoring clinical indicators and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring survey readiness and leading responses during inspections and audits.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including physicians and department leaders, to ensure effective communication and continuity of care.
• Oversee infection prevention and control programs, promoting best practices and ensuring adherence to safety standards.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and operational goals to ensure efficient and cost-effective delivery of care.
• Support staff education, competency development, and leadership growth to maintain a highly skilled and engaged workforce.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and organizational initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Valid, unrestricted RN license in Connecticut, in accordance with state and federal requirements for nursing leadership roles.
  • Graduate of an accredited college nursing program; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred, with advanced education (MSN or hire) considered a strong asset for senior leadership positions.
  • Minimum of 2+ years of clinical nursing experience, with progressive responsibility; prior experience in long-term care or skilled nursing settings strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience in a healthcare setting, with the ability to manage staff, coordinate care delivery, and support clinical operations effectively.
  • Experience in staff education, training, or professional development, including the ability to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs (or willingness to complete required training/education coursework).
  • Current CPR/BLS (or equivalent) certification as required by facility policy.
  • Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations governing skilled nursing facilities, with the ability to ensure compliance and maintain survey readiness.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, families, interdisciplinary teams, and regulatory agencies.
  • Proven leadership mindset with a passion for mentoring, coaching, and developing nursing staff to achieve high standards of care and professional growth.
  • Strong organizational, critical thinking, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work effectively within a long-term care or skilled nursing environment, demonstrating flexibility, professionalism, and sound clinical judgment.
  • Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.


OUR CARING COMMUNITY:

Bel-Air Manor is a 71-bed, family-owned skilled nursing facility located in Newington, CT. As part of the Ryders Health family, you'll join a team backed by over 75 years of experience-rooted in quality care, teamwork, and staffing ratios that exceed industry standards.

Come join our compassionate, dedicated team of professionals!

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