The Director of Nursing Services is an RN, who assumes responsibility and accountability for nursing and clinical services. Although interdisciplinary effort is required, nursing and clinical services include but not limited to; patient quality of life, patient experience, nursing services, clinical outcomes, discharge planning, staff recruitment, staff retention, overtime in conjunction with Administrator, staff scheduling, employee morale in conjunction w/ ADMINISTRATOR, infection control, restorative nursing, in-servicing, training, continued education, harmonious workplace in conjunction w/ the ADMINISTRATOR, customer service in conjunction w/ the ADMINISTRATOR, policies and procedures, federal and state compliance. The DON must lead by example by promoting positive morale within their department and throughout the facility by smiling and greeting residents, families and all employees. Reports directly to the Administrator.

Job duties include (but not limited to):

• Maintains and implements nursing policies and procedures that conform to current standards of nursing practice, facility philosophy, and operational policies while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
• Communicates and interprets policies and procedures to nursing staff, and monitors staff practices and implementation.
• Participates in admission decisions.
• Participates in daily morning meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, personnel, or resident complaints or concerns.
• Evaluates the work performance of nursing personnel and implements discipline according to operational policies.
• Ensures delivery of compassionate quality care and nursing supervision as evidenced by adequate services and staff coverage on unit, absence of odors, general cleanliness, and apparent maintenance of optimal resident functions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and application of Key Clinical Quality Indicators, and proactively monitors and implements systems to achieve and/or surpass company thresholds.
• Exercises overall supervision of resident assessments and care plans.
• Reviews 24-hour report from every unit daily to monitor and ensure timely, effective responses to significant changes in condition, transfers, discharges, use of restraints, unexplained injuries, falls, behavioral episodes, and medication errors.
• Collaborates with physicians, consultants, community agencies, and institutions to improve the quality of services and to resolve identified problems.
• Coordinates nursing services with all other departments including Therapy.
• Oversees nursing schedules to assure they meet resident needs and regulatory and budgetary standards.
• Ensuring resident safety.
• Oversees the management of staffing schedules and call outs to insure overtime budgetary compliance.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of nursing personnel and assures sufficient staff is hired.
• Oversees and supervises development and delivery of mandatory in-service education to staff with sufficient knowledge and skills to provide compassionate, quality care and respect for resident rights.
• Proactively develops positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs.
• Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.
• Performs rounds to observe care and to interview staff, residents, families or other interested parties.
• Establishes, implements, and monitors the infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment designed to prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection.
• Prepares or reviews infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and to develop effective actions to control and prevent infections. Submits an infection control report to the QA Committee.
• Attend and participate in the monthly QAPI meetings and prepare reports accordingly.
• Coordinates and/or develops on-going QAPI activities for nursing services to monitor nursing compliance with standards and regulatory requirements through rounds, interviews, and record reviews. Compiles summary of findings for the Quality Assurance committee.
• DNS reviews items ordered out of formulary with regard to medical, nursing, and central supplies.
• Monitors and manages supply usage to ensure efficient utilization.
• Assists the Administrator prepare staff for surveys. Reviews and maintains compliance with previous plan of correction
• Participates in the preparation of the Plan of Correction response to an inspection survey, and implements any follow-up QAPI required for any nursing allegations.
• Communicates directly with residents, families, medical staff, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, and Department Heads to coordinate care and services, promote participation in care plans, and maintain a high quality of care and life for residents.
• Promotes customer service and hospitality and responds to and adequately resolves complaints or concerns from residents or families about nursing services.
• Monitors facility incidents and complaints daily to identify those defined as unusual occurrences by State policy and promptly reports such occurrences to Administrator for appropriate action.
• Monitors complaint reports daily for allegations of potential abuse or neglect, or the loss or misappropriation of resident property. Investigates and prepares report, with findings, for submission to Administrator.
• Interacts courteously with residents, family members, employees, visitors, vendors, business associates, and representatives of government agencies.
• Participates in Manager on Duty program.
• Acts in an administrative capacity in the absence of the Administrator.