Director of Nursing (DON)

Position Summary

Responsible for management of the nursing services department and for the direction and supervision of all nursing services functions and activities. Responsible for the quality of resident care and ensures that sufficient and properly prepared personnel carry out the functions of nursing service. Is knowledgeable of social, economic and legal issues affecting the health care systems and seeks all opportunities for keeping staff up-to-date in health care practices. Develops, directs the implementation, and ensures compliance of standard of nursing practice that promotes optimum health care delivery.

This salaried, exempt position reports directly to the Nursing Home Administrator.

General Purpose

1.      Develops and maintains nursing practice through application of the facility’s philosophy, mission and approved policies & procedures;

2.      Provides competent staff for all levels of resident care in cooperation with Administration and Staff Development;

3.      Interviews and explains job duties to the licensed staff;

4.      Directs nursing staff to produce optimum resident care and services;

5.      Directs medical records staff and reviews medical records on a routine basis to ensure compliance;

6.      Cooperates with all departments to provide quality care and services for all phases of the residents' care and needs.

Role Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Position Responsibilities

• Makes rounds to assess quality of resident care and staff compliance.

• Ensures all nursing units are staffed according to residents’ acuity and needs.

• Coordinates on call nursing staff to ensure coverage for staffing issues, availability for nursing issues requiring the presence of staff.

• Recruits and interviews new licensed nursing employees; and counsels, disciplines or terminates nursing employees, as needed.

• Attends or assures that a nursing representative attends and is active in necessary facility meetings.

• Deals with employee performance issues (counsel, discipline, terminate & monitor).

• Directs and monitors to determine adequate documentation is being done on a daily basis.

• Investigates complaints, grievances and allegations of abuse or neglect concerning nursing service and/or nursing personnel.

• Promotes harmonious relationships and favorable attitudes among health care team.

• Plans and cooperates with Administration on operations, budgets & special projects as requested.

• Collaborates with Medical Director to assure quality care is given to all residents.

• Works in collaboration with Infection Control Nurse to ensure staff education, monitoring for & reporting infections, compliance with infection control policies and procedures & high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility to prevent and control the spread of infectious disease.

• Develops or revises policies and procedures that are in compliance with current regulatory requirements and professional standards of practice to achieve quality care to residents.

• Prepares annual evaluations for nursing staff.

• Maintains safety, fire, disaster, blood borne pathogens, tuberculosis exposure, pandemic plans, OSHA and other programs in cooperation with Administration.

• Conducts monthly staff meetings, Team Manager Nurse meetings and nursing supervisor meetings.

• Establishes appropriate health and safety rules related to the work environment of the employees within the nursing department.

• Has ability to manage stress tolerance, pressure and anxiety.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• All members of the Nursing Department report to this position.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary : $80,000 - $95,000