Director of Nurses (DON)

Job Purpose :

The Director of Nursing assumes authority, responsibility, and accountability for the delivery of nursing services in the facility. In collaboration with facility Administration, allocates department resources in an efficient and economic manner to enable each resident to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being. Collaborates with other departments, medical professionals, consultants, and organizations, including government agencies and advocacy groups, to develop, support and coordinate resident care, related administrative functions, and to represent the interests of the facility in maintaining standards of nursing practices and governmental regulations so as to maintain excellent care of all the Residents’ needs.

Essential job Duties and Responsibilities :

Department Management :

Work with the Administrator, Management Consultants and facility staff in planning all aspects of nursing services to include interface with other disciplines and departments. Monitor department activities, communicate policies, evaluate performance, provide feedback, and assist, coach, redirect, and discipline as needed. Maintain records, manage budgets and supplies, and function as a Senior Department Head. Manages, directs and makes facility decisions in the absence of the Administrator. Serves as the facility Quality Improvement Coordinator.

Ensure equipment and work areas are clean, safe and orderly, and hazardous conditions are addressed; ensure Universal precautions and infection control, isolation, fire, safety and sanitation practices and procedures are followed.

Manage Nursing Care :

Conduct regular rounds to monitor resident activity, assess resident’s physical and psychosocial status, and to monitor care activities and documentation to ensure the delivery of nursing care according to the physician’s orders; care plans; and established standards and facility procedures; ensure medication administration is as ordered in accordance with nursing standards and facility policies; manage admissions, transfers, and discharge of residents. Communicate with Residents, family members, and management regarding resident status. Personally, participates in the assessment and delivery of care when needed.

Resident Rights :

Ensure understanding of and compliance with all rules regarding Residents’ Rights.

Department Staffing and Retention :

Monitor Associate Relations practices to ensure practices that maintain high morale and staff retention to include effective communication, prompt problem resolution, positive supervisory practices, and maintaining a positive work environment. Ensure current and future staffing through development of recruiting sources, and through appropriate selection, orientation, training and staff education

Manage Compliance :

Ensure compliance with State, Federal and facility QA standards. Ensure ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations; ensure that the department meets or exceeds accreditation standards; and

implement “best practices” in all departmental activities. Participate in surveys conducted by

authorized inspection agencies.

Community :

Develops positive relationships on behalf of the facility with Government Regulators, families, Area Health Care Community, and the Community at large.

Manage turnover and ensure current and future staffing through development of recruiting sources, and through appropriate selection, orientation, training and staff education. Arrange for performance evaluations of each member of the department annually; establish annual performance goals, and monitor progress toward these goals on a consistent basis.

Other Job Functions :

Meetings and Committees :

Coordinates, facilitates, and attends meetings

Serve on, attend, and participate in Company and / or community committees as required

Staff Development :

Supervise, conduct, and participate in department and facility education activities and staff meetings

Other Duties :

Any and all duties as assigned by Supervisor and / or Management Company

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without the aid of mechanical device) :

Works in a climate-controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy. Works in an office and throughout the building daily. Has Category 1 risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in handwashing practices and Universal Precautions and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated. Is subject to interruptions, noise, and odors daily

Walking, reaching, climbing, bending, lifting, grasping, fine hand coordination, pushing and pulling, ability to distinguish smells, tastes and temperatures, ability to communicate with residents and employees, ability to understand and follow training, ability to instruct staff in service education, and the ability to remain calm under stress.

Qualifications :

Must be a Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing and currently licensed by the State. Must be CPR Certified.

Ability to convey, explain, or interpret complex specialized information related to long term care rules and regulations. Hence strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Ability to complete continuing education hours as required by the State.

Ability to build and maintain relationships, coordinate plans, distribute information and develop a mutual knowledge base for effective implementation of state and federal rules and regulations. Must be able to relate positively and favorably to residents, families, and government regulators. Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.

Must be capable of performing the Essential Job Functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

“At Will” Statement :

This job description provides guidelines only and none of its provisions are contractual in nature. The Job Description does not guarantee employment for any specific period of time or any specific terms or benefits of employment. All employment with the Company is “at will,” meaning that you or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause. No member of the Company’s management staff has the authority to make oral or written promises of employment that are inconsistent with the policy of at-will employment. The at-will nature of employment may only be modified through a written employment agreement signed by the head of the Company’s governing body and the team member.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) :

Our Facility is committed to protecting the privacy, security and integrity of individually identifiable health information received from or on behalf of our employees. The Facility adheres to the highest standards of integrity in the performance of its business and is prepared to maintain compliance with HIPPA and other regulatory requirements by adopting and adjusting policies and processes as

necessary. All employees are required to adhere to all HIPPA regulations