What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Nursing position at Dignity First Skilled Nursing Care, LLC?
Director of Nursing (DON) – Home Health Agency (Startup) Position
The Director of Nursing (DON) provides clinical leadership and oversight for all patient care services within a private home health startup. This role ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, including Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and Medicaid requirements, while establishing and maintaining high standards of clinical quality and patient safety.
As a key member of the leadership team, the DON is instrumental in building the agency from the ground up—developing policies, workflows, and clinical programs; supporting licensure and certification; and leading the clinical team to achieve operational and financial success.
Key Responsibilities and Clinical Leadership & Operations
- Direct and supervise all clinical services, including skilled nursing, therapy coordination, and home health aide services
- Develop and implement patient care policies, procedures, and clinical protocols
- Ensure delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care aligned with evidence-based practices
- Oversee care planning, case management, and coordination of services
Regulatory Compliance (Medicare & Medicaid)
- Ensure compliance with Medicare CoPs, Medicaid regulations, and applicable Wisconsin DHS Requirements
- Lead agency readiness for surveys, audits, and accreditation processes
- Oversee accurate and timely OASIS documentation, coding, and submission
- Maintain knowledge of reimbursement models (PDGM) and billing compliance
Startup Development & Program Implementation
- Assist in agency licensing, Medicare/Medicaid certification, and enrollment processes
- Establish clinical workflows, EMR systems, and documentation standards
- Develop orientation and training programs for clinical staff
- Participate in strategic planning, budgeting, and growth initiatives
Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI)
- Design and lead the agency’s QAPI program
- Monitor clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and quality indicators
- Implement corrective action plans and continuous improvement initiatives
Staff Management & Development
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise nursing and clinical staff
- Conduct performance evaluations and competency assessments
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development
- Ensure adequate staffing and productivity standards
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with physicians, referral sources, and community partners
- Collaborate with executive leadership on operational and financial goals
- Serve as clinical liaison during surveys, audits, and external reviews
Qualifications Required
- Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Wisconsin
- Minimum 3–5 years of home health experience
- Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience in healthcare
- Strong knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid home health regulations
- Experience with OASIS, care planning, and home health documentation systems
- Demonstrated experience with compliance, surveys, and regulatory standards
Preferred
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree (MSN, MHA) preferred
- Prior experience in a startup or program development role
- Familiarity with PDGM reimbursement model
- Experience implementing EMR systems in home health
- Certification in home health (e.g., COS-C, HCS-D)
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills
- In-depth regulatory and compliance expertise
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment
Work Environment
- Combination of office-based leadership and field oversight
- Requires occasional travel for patient visits, staff supervision, and community outreach
- Flexible and dynamic startup environment requiring adaptability
Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel locally
- Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs)
- Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer work
Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New Berlin, WI 53146
Salary : $90,000 - $130,000