What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Nursing - LPN position at Arrowhead Post Acute?
Position: Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)
Department: Nursing
Reports To: Director of Nursing (DON)
FLSA Status: Exempt
General Purpose
The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) supports the Director of Nursing in managing and directing the day-to-day clinical operations of the skilled nursing facility. The ADON plays a key leadership role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, resident-centered care while maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. This position assists with supervising nursing staff, implementing clinical programs, monitoring outcomes, and fostering a safe, respectful, and collaborative care environment for residents, families, and staff.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Clinical Oversight
- Assist in supervising, coordinating, and evaluating nursing services across all shifts.
- Support the Director of Nursing in hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and evaluating nursing personnel.
- Provide clinical guidance and leadership to licensed and unlicensed nursing staff.
- Monitor nursing practices and resident care to ensure adherence to facility policies, clinical standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing policies, procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Control
- Assist with preparation for and response to state, federal, and accrediting surveys and inspections.
- Monitor medical records and nursing documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
- Participate in audits, infection prevention rounds, safety checks, and performance improvement activities.
- Assist in identifying trends, conducting root cause analyses, and implementing corrective action plans when needed.
Resident Care & Support
- Oversee resident assessments, care plans, and implementation of individualized plans of care.
- Ensure timely and appropriate clinical interventions and follow-up.
- Respond to resident and family concerns related to nursing care and assist with resolution.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care conferences, and discharge planning processes.
Staff Development & Support
- Assist with orientation and ongoing education for nursing staff.
- Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.
- Support nursing staff in managing clinical concerns, behavioral challenges, emergencies, and complex resident needs.
- Encourage accountability, professionalism, and adherence to ethical nursing standards.
Administrative Duties
- Assist with scheduling and maintaining appropriate staffing levels to meet resident care needs.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting of incidents, infections, injuries, and other reportable events.
- Communicate effectively with administration, medical providers, and department leaders.
- Serve as acting Director of Nursing in the DON’s absence, providing leadership and operational oversight.
Qualifications
- Current, active Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) license in good standing, as required by state regulations.
- Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN preferred).
- Minimum of 2–3 years of nursing experience in a skilled nursing or long-term care setting.
- Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
- Knowledge of long-term care regulations, survey processes, and quality improvement practices.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and make sound clinical decisions.
- Knowledge of infection prevention, resident rights, and patient safety principles.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records and basic computer applications.
- Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, residents, families, and staff.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, or assist with moving residents and equipment (up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance).
- Visual and auditory ability sufficient to assess resident conditions, read medical records, and communicate effectively.
- Manual dexterity to perform nursing tasks, operate equipment, and use computers.
- Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
- Direct or indirect exposure to residents with medical conditions or communicable illnesses.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection-control protocols.
- Work performed in a healthcare or long-term care environment.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.