Director of Nursing (DON)

Director of Nursing

Summary/Objective In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the residents we serve; the Director of Nursing plays a critical role in providing superior customer service and nursing services to all residents in the facility. The Director of Nursing is responsible for the planning, development and overall operation of the Nursing Department which ensures residents receive quality care 24 hours a day.

Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Plans, directs, and supervises the activities of the nursing staff.

· Ensures the nursing department is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

· Develop, implement, and update department policy and procedures when necessary or as directed.

· Responsible for providing consistent and sufficient staffing for resident needs as well as regulatory requirements.

· Participates in Federal, State and Local agency annual surveys.

· Review with appropriate department heads any deficiencies noted by government agencies during inspections.

· Responsible for operating the Nursing Department within budgetary guidelines and limitations.

· Assists in completion of annual performance reviews of all nursing staff. Provides guidance and education to staff regarding their performance.

· Provides counseling and disciplinary action to nursing staff members as needed.

· Responsible for training and educating staff members.

Assure that established infection control and standard precaution practices are always maintained. Follow established safety precautions when preforming tasks and using equipment and supplies.

· Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment, and supply issues to the appropriate persons.

· Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of residents and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment.

· Must answer and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in resident care areas.

· Assist with new admissions, re-admissions and assist with the transfer of residents to different rooms within the facility.

· Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with residents, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.

· Attend and participate in departmental meetings and in-services.

Supervisory Responsibility This position directly supervises all Nursing staff including but not limited to R. N’s, L.P.N.’s, QMA’s and C.N.A.’s.

Work Environment This job operates in a health care setting. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

This role may also come into contact with residents who may have contagious illnesses.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Mobility, walking, standing, reaching, bending, lifting (ability to adequately lift, support and bodily manipulate the weight of a patient), fine hand coordination, ability to read and write, the ability to understand and follow written, oral instructions and directions, ability to travel. Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This position is part of a health care facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Evening and weekend work as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Travel On occasions may need to travel to and from various locations in and around the surrounding community.

Required Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Nursing, or related field

· Graduate from and accredited nursing program.

· Current State License as Registered Nurse.

· C.P.R. Certified

· One to three (1-3) years of management or supervisory experience in long-term care or acute care. Restorative or geriatric nursing experience preferred.

· Previous experience managing a department.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

· Computer skills to perform job duties.

· Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

· Strong written and oral communication skills.

· Must be able to maintain confidentiality regarding patient and company propriety information.

· Must have the ability to relate professionally and positively and work cooperatively with patients, families, government regulators, and other employees as all levels.

Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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