Summary

The Director of Nursing (“DON”) is responsible for effective overall management of the Nursing Department and coordination with other disciplines to provide quality care to all patients/residents. She/he supports and practices the philosophy, objectives and standards of the Department of Nursing and participates in the revision of these as necessary to ensure quality care to all patients/residents. She/he also monitors the outcomes of nursing service activity by evaluating the performance of nursing staff, ensuring compliance with all facility and regulatory agency standards, policies and procedures, coordinating facility committees and monitoring the effective and efficient use of budgeted resources (personnel, supplies, equipment).

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

1.Ensures that nursing interventions meet the personal, physical and cognitive needs of each patient/resident as well as maximize his/her self care capacities, identity, independence, choice and opportunity for social interaction.

2.Monitors the outcomes of nursing service activity by evaluating the performance of nursing staff, ensuring compliance with all facility and regulatory agency standards, policies and procedures, coordinating facility committees and monitoring the effective and efficient use of budgeted resources (personnel, supplies, equipment).

3.Assumes full responsibility for the operation and management of the facility in the temporary absence of the Facility Administrator or as directed by the Administrator.

4.Develops short and long-range plans for the nursing department that are compatible with those of the facility.

5.Assists in recruiting and selects nursing service employees appropriate to facility need and budgetary guidelines.

6.Works in establishing and facilitating effective employer/employee relations.

7.Maintains adequate staffing ratios and levels of preparation to meet the needs of patients/residents.

8.Participates in the selection of patients/residents to be admitted by evaluating the level and amount of care required by prospective patients/residents in relation to existing nursing capabilities.

9.Actively maintains cohesive public and professional relationships with patients/residents, families, physicians and the community.

10.Incorporates nursing philosophy, standards and objectives into the evaluation process for staff and nursing services and ensures that the philosophy, objectives and standards of the nursing department are an integral part of the orientation and education of nursing service personnel.

11.Coordinates requirements and cooperates with all other departments in providing a favorable physical, social and emotional environment for all patients/residents.

12.Serves on Quality Improvement and Safety Committees that include Patient/Resident Standards of Care, Pharmaceutical Services, Infection Control, Safety and Utilization Review/PPS.

13.Meets with committee members to evaluate activities within the facility and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in nursing operations.