Director of Nursing - DON

Department: Nursing

Reports To: Administrator, Medical Director

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for planning, organizing, developing, directing, and overseeing the overall operation of the Nursing Department in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, facility policies, and standards of nursing practice. The Director of Nursing is responsible for ensuring the delivery of quality resident care while carrying out responsibilities as directed by the Administrator and/or Medical Director.

Accountability: Administrator, Medical Director

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, organize, implement, evaluate, and direct the operations of the Nursing Department.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically update written policies and procedures governing the day-to-day operations of the Nursing Department.
• Provide written and/or verbal reports to the Administrator as requested or required.
• Maintain required staffing levels to ensure the delivery of quality resident care.
• Assist the Administrator and/or Human Resources Director with the recruitment and retention of nursing personnel.
• Develop work assignments and schedules for nursing personnel.
• Delegate duties and responsibilities to nursing personnel as appropriate.
• Complete or assist with the 90-day and annual performance evaluations of licensed nursing staff in conjunction with the Staff Development Director and RN Supervisors.
• Actively participate in the budgeting process and performance improvement activities of the organization.
• Assist the Infection Control Nurse with establishing and maintaining an effective Tuberculosis (TB) Program for residents and staff.
• Report occupational exposures in accordance with established facility protocols.

Make daily rounds to all resident care areas to observe nursing staff as they perform assigned duties in accordance with established facility policies and procedures.

Develop, evaluate, and periodically update policies governing licensure and/or certification requirements for nursing staff and sitters.

• Provide or assist with in-service education for facility staff.
• Maintain or assist with maintaining current nursing employee files.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and promote resident rights.
• Recognize, prevent, and report suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of residents in accordance with facility policy.
• Promote and maintain a safe, clean environment in which residents may live.

Make unannounced rounds at various times to identify concerns or issues specific to individual shifts or work areas.

Review the Twenty-Four Hour Report daily to remain informed of changes in residents' conditions and/or plans of treatment.

• Assist with MDS+ and Total Care Plan meetings as indicated.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Administrator.
• Serve as an active member of the facility team by placing residents as the highest priority.
• Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Administrator in his or her absence.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Hold/handle
• Lift
• Carry
• Reach – at and below shoulder height
• Push/pull
• Grasp and handle – pens, paperwork and small equipment
• Sit, stand and walk
• Twist, bend, stoop, kneel and squat
• Fine hand motor coordination
• Ability to read and write legibly
• Ability to give and follow instructions

Physical Requirements

• Talking: Communicating with residents, families, physicians visitors and staff
• Hearing: Taking instructions from the Administrator, To respond to resident complaints and requests, To respond appropriately to disaster instructions and pages
• Sight: For performing job effectively and correctly
• Smell: For accurate detection and maintenance of facility odors
• Touch: In order to detect changes in temperature

Licensure Requirements

Must be a Registered Nurse (R.N.) currently licensed by the State and in good standing with the Board of Nursing in the State in which the facility is located.

Summary of Occupational Exposure

Tasks and procedures performed by the employee involve risks classified by C.D.C. as Category I. (Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids to which universal precautions apply.)

Other Considerations and Requirements

Must be able to tolerate a high pace as typical for a nursing facility. Must be able to take and give instructions well and enjoy working with the elderly. Although employee is required to sit for prolonged periods of time, he/she must also be able to tolerate prolonged standing and walking.

Benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Opportunities for Advancement