Director of Nursing DON

DIRECTOR OF NURSING 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Department: Nursing Services 

Reports to: Administrator 

Reporting to this position: Unit Manager, Charge Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant 

Job Classification: Administrative/Management 

Position Purpose 

Planning, organizing, developing and directing the overall operations of the Nursing Service Department in accordance with local, state and federal standards and regulations, established facility policies and procedures and as may be directed by the Administrator and the Medical Director, to provide appropriate care and services to the residents. 

Required Qualifications 

• Current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California
• Must have, as a minimum, three (3) years of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, nursing home, or other related health care facility. 
• Knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care. 
• Current CPR certification. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the overall operations of the Nursing Services department, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations. 
• Interprets and communicates policies and procedures to nursing staff, and monitors staff practices and implementation. 
• Participates in all admission decisions. 
• Participates in daily or weekly management team meetings to discuss census changes, resident changes in status, complaints or concerns. 
• Evaluates work performance of all nursing personnel and implements discipline according to operational policies. 
• Participate in QAPI or facility assessment activities as needed, such as carrying out duties assigned as part of a performance improvement committee  
• Facilitates, serves, attends or participates in various committees of the facility as appointed. 
• Ensures delivery of compassionate quality care and nursing supervision as evidenced by adequate staff coverage on the units, general cleanliness, and maintaining optimal resident functions.  
• Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to identify and resolve issues and improve the quality of services. 
• Oversees nursing schedules to ensure resident needs, regulatory and budget standards are met. 
• Participates in the recruitment, hiring and termination of nursing personnel. 
• Performs rounds to observe residents and ensure nursing needs are being met. 
• Conducts observations of nursing care and supervises development of in-service education to ensure nursing staff is competent in current knowledge and skills. 
• Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication. 
• Monitors, assists and implements the infection control program in accordance to current infection control guidelines to prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection. 
• Participates in budget development for the nursing department, medical, nursing and central supplies.  
• Assists in the preparation of inspection surveys, including staff in-services on survey processes, and participation in mock surveys as indicated. 
• Participates in the facility’s plan of correction response to an inspection survey and implements any follow-up required for nursing allegations.  
• Communicates directly with residents, medical and nursing staff, family members, department heads and members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and services and respond to and resolve complaints and concerns.   
• Oversees resident incidents and concerns daily to identify any unusual occurrences and reports them promptly to the Administrator and/or state agency for appropriate action. 
• Monitors for allegations of potential abuse or neglect, or misappropriation of resident property and participates in the investigative process. 
• Promotes safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention procedures to prevent employee injury and illness. 
• May provide direct nursing care as necessary. 
• Acts in an administrative capacity in the absence of the Administrator. 

Reasonable Accommodation Statement 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Unruh Civil Rights Act and Disabled Persons Act, it is the policy of the facility to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.  The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process.  If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Administrator.