PLAZA HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION CENTER

JOB DESCRIPTION – DIRECTOR OF NURSING (DON)

Position: Director of Nursing (DON)
Department: Nursing
Reports To: Administrator
Supervises: Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON), Nursing Supervisors, Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and other nursing personnel.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall direction, supervision, and management of the Nursing Department. The DON ensures that residents receive high-quality nursing care in accordance with federal and state regulations, facility policies, and established standards of clinical practice.

The DON is responsible for maintaining adequate nursing coverage, overseeing clinical operations, developing nursing staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting resident safety, satisfaction, and quality of care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Nursing Department Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the entire Nursing Department.

• Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to all nursing personnel.

• Ensure nursing staff follow facility policies, procedures, and clinical standards.

• Establish clear expectations and hold nursing personnel accountable for their responsibilities.

• Conduct regular nursing department meetings and communicate important updates to staff.

• Work collaboratively with the Administrator and other department heads.

2. Clinical Oversight and Resident Care

• Ensure residents receive appropriate, timely, and individualized nursing care.

• Monitor residents' clinical conditions and ensure appropriate interventions are implemented.

• Oversee assessments, care plans, medication administration, treatments, and documentation.

• Ensure timely notification of physicians and responsible parties regarding significant changes in condition.

• Monitor infection prevention and control practices.

• Oversee clinical incidents, falls, medication errors, pressure injuries, and other adverse events.

• Ensure appropriate follow-up and corrective actions are implemented when necessary.

3. Staffing and Personnel Management

• Oversee nursing schedules and ensure adequate staffing levels at all times.

• Work with the staffing coordinator to address staffing shortages and coverage needs.

• Participate in interviewing, hiring, training, evaluating, and disciplining nursing personnel.

• Ensure nursing staff maintain required licenses, certifications, and competencies.

• Address attendance, performance, and employee conduct issues.

• Ensure appropriate orientation and ongoing education for nursing staff.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Survey Readiness

• Ensure compliance with all applicable CMS, New Jersey Department of Health, and other regulatory requirements.

• Maintain ongoing survey readiness throughout the year.

• Oversee the development and implementation of Plans of Correction related to nursing deficiencies.

• Ensure nursing documentation meets regulatory and facility standards.

• Participate in annual surveys, complaint investigations, and other regulatory visits.

• Monitor and address nursing-related deficiencies and ensure corrective actions are sustained.

5. Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Participate in and oversee nursing-related QAPI initiatives.

• Review clinical indicators, incidents, trends, and quality measures.

• Identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective action plans.

• Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and ensure continued compliance.

• Work with the interdisciplinary team to improve resident outcomes.

6. Communication and Interdisciplinary Coordination

• Maintain open communication with the Administrator, Medical Director, attending physicians, and other department heads.

• Coordinate nursing services with Rehabilitation, Dietary, Social Services, Admissions, and other departments.

• Address resident and family concerns related to nursing care.

• Participate in resident care conferences and other facility meetings as needed.

7. Infection Control and Employee Education

• Ensure proper infection prevention and control practices are followed.

• Oversee isolation precautions, surveillance, and infection reporting.

• Ensure staff receive required in-services and ongoing clinical education.

• Monitor compliance with hand hygiene, PPE use, and other infection control protocols.

8. Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure nursing policies and procedures are maintained and updated as necessary.

• Oversee proper utilization and maintenance of nursing equipment and supplies.

• Ensure emergency preparedness procedures are followed within the Nursing Department.

• Assist with developing and implementing facility-wide operational initiatives.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Current, active New Jersey Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.

• Previous nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing or long-term care facility.

• Previous DON or ADON experience preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of CMS regulations, New Jersey Department of Health requirements, and long-term care clinical standards.

• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of electronic medical records and nursing documentation systems.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Director of Nursing. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The employee may be required to perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Administrator or facility ownership.