Director of Nursing

Lutheran Life Villages - Pine Valley is looking for an experienced Director of Nursing for our beautiful, skilled nursing facility in Fort Wayne (9802 Coldwater Road).

As the Director of Nursing, you’ll lead, supervise, and support all functions of the nursing department to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of residents in accordance with state and federal regulations. Your leadership will directly impact the lives of our residents and the success of our team.

Joining the team at Lutheran Life Villages brings with it an impressive benefits package, including competitive wages, generous PTO accrual, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental and Vision insurance within 30 days of hire, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Education Assistance, frequent campus events, and more!

Who You Are

You are a collaborative, mission-driven nursing leader with a strong commitment to resident-centered care. Your leadership style is hands-on and participatory—you thrive in a team-oriented environment where communication is clear and expectations are consistent.

You bring not only experience in nursing management, but also a deep passion for guiding and mentoring nursing staff. You are a strategic thinker who understands compliance, quality improvement, and the importance of maintaining a high standard of care. Above all, you value dignity, compassion, and excellence in everything you do.

What You’LL Do

Your Responsibilities Will Include

Department Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the nursing department.
• Develop, communicate, and uphold the philosophy and objectives of nursing services.
• Create and maintain compliant staffing patterns and ensure 24/7 departmental coverage.
• Evaluate and enhance department performance using data, audits, and staff feedback.
• Actively participate in annual policy and job description reviews.

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain qualified staff; conduct performance evaluations.
• Monitor employee performance and address concerns with coaching or corrective action.
• Ensure staff training, in-service education, and orientation programs are consistent and current.
• Maintain accurate timekeeping and approve payroll submissions.

Care Oversight

• Evaluate resident care needs, including assessments during admissions and daily rounds.
• Collaborate with physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and family members to ensure optimal care.
• Oversee MDS, infection control, wound care, and clinical documentation accuracy.
• Monitor incidents, follow up on condition changes, and implement interventions as needed.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Stay informed on federal/state regulations and ensure adherence across the department.
• Lead and participate in QAPI, risk assessment, safety, and compliance committees.
• Prepare for and respond to audits and state survey inspections.
• Conduct documentation reviews and ensure cohesive, legally sound medical records.

Budget & Resource Management

• Assist in preparing and managing the nursing department’s annual budget.
• Monitor and control use of supplies, staffing dollars, and overall department expenses.
• Support census development and resident retention efforts.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

• Promote constructive, cross-functional relationships with all departments.
• Coordinate nursing services with contracted providers and therapy services.
• Attend and contribute to interdisciplinary meetings and resident care planning.

Professional Development & Safety

• Stay current in nursing practices, especially in long-term and geriatric care.
• Foster a culture of safety and compliance, leading by example in infection control and emergency preparedness.
• Encourage innovation and growth among nursing staff.
• Ensure risk assessments and safe work environments for residents and employees alike.

What You Need

Education & Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; licensed RN in the State of Indiana.
• BSN preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years in nursing leadership or management.
• Strong knowledge of long-term care, Medicare/Medicaid, and regulatory standards.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team with integrity, empathy, and accountability.
• Proficiency in electronic health records and department-specific equipment.
• Willingness to serve in a 24/7 on-call leadership rotation.

Why Join Us?

At Lutheran Life Villages, we bring our core values of Leadership, Impact, Friendship, and Excellence (LIFE) into every part of our work. Here, you’ll find the opportunity to contribute to an organization dedicated to providing exceptional care for seniors while fostering a supportive, collaborative environment for its staff. Our commitment to Leadership means empowering our team members to grow personally and professionally, inspiring others by example.

We’re passionate about making a meaningful Impact in the lives of our residents and nurturing relationships built on Friendship and compassion. By pursuing Excellence in all we do, our employees share our mission to deliver outstanding care.