Director of Nursing (DON)

Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing Facility

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for leading and managing the overall nursing operations within the facility. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality resident care in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. The DON provides leadership to nursing staff, develops and implements clinical policies, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to promote excellence in resident outcomes and survey readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

Direct and oversee all nursing services to ensure quality, resident-centered care.

Supervise and evaluate nursing staff performance, providing guidance, mentoring, and corrective action as needed.

Maintain adequate and appropriate nursing staffing levels, including scheduling and recruitment in collaboration with Human Resources.

Serve as a member of the facility’s leadership team and Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) Committee.

Lead morning stand-ups and daily clinical meetings.

Clinical Oversight

Ensure accurate and timely completion of resident assessments, care plans, and documentation in accordance with regulatory and facility requirements.

Monitor resident clinical outcomes, incidents, and infections, implementing corrective action plans when indicated.

Oversee medication administration, treatments, and infection control practices.

Serve as the clinical liaison with physicians, pharmacies, hospitals, and other health partners.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure nursing operations comply with CMS regulations, state licensing rules, and company policies.

Prepare for and participate in state and federal surveys; coordinate responses and plans of correction.

Maintain current knowledge of nursing home regulations (F-Tags, Appendix PP, QSO memos, etc.).

Education and Training

Develop and coordinate staff education and competency programs.

Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and teamwork.

Conduct new employee orientation for all nursing staff.

Resident and Family Relations

Ensure open communication with residents and families regarding care needs, changes, and concerns.

Participate in care conferences and grievance resolution.

Qualifications

Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Minnesota (or ability to obtain prior to start).

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a long-term care or skilled nursing setting.

Prior supervisory or DON / ADON experience strongly preferred.

Strong understanding of federal and state nursing home regulations and survey processes.

Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Ability to foster teamwork and promote staff engagement.

Work Schedule

Full-time, exempt position; on-site leadership required. Must be available for occasional evenings, weekends, and on-call support.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package.