What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Nursing (DON) position at HG Careers?
Title: Director of Nursing (DON)
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: Nursing Home Administrator
Pay Range: $150k-$170k
Location: South Bay
THE ROLE
You will lead with both heart and discipline. That means keeping every resident’s clinical outcome at the center of decisions, staying ahead of state and federal regulations, and creating a workplace where nurses and CNAs want to stay. Families and surveyors will see a well‑run clinical operation – and you will be the reason.
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE FACILITY
- THE FOUNDATION
- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) licenseissued by the State.
- License in good standing with no active probation or substantiated violations.
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program (BSN preferred).
- THE JOURNEY
- Minimum 1 yearas a Director of Nursing (or a strong ADON) in a skilled nursing facility.
- Proven track record of improving quality measures.
- Experience managing the nursing department budget, staffing, and payroll.
- Successfully led clinical survey processes with minimal or well‑managed deficiencies.
- THE CRAFT
- Deep fluency in federal CMS requirementsand state regulations for skilled nursing.
- Ability to implement infection control, wound care, and medication management programs.
- Strong clinical assessment skills – you know when a resident is declining before the numbers show it.
- Staff development: train, mentor, and retain RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.
- THE CHARACTER
- Calm, authoritative presence during a survey or clinical emergency.
- Treats all staff as equal partners in resident care.
- Passion for building a culture where the nurses and CNAs feel supported and valued.
- Handles family and resident clinical concerns with empathy and sound judgment.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
- Oversee all clinical departments.
- Lead and mentor unit managers, charge nurses, and CNAs.
- Manage state and federal clinical surveys; implement Plans of Correction.
- Collaborate with the Nursing Home Administrator on budgets, staffing, and quality improvement.
- Monitor clinical metrics and drive improvement.
- Ensure timely and accurate MDS submissions and Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement support.
BENEFITS & BEYOND
We offer a competitive package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Pet insurance
- And much more (details provided upon offer)
WORK-LIFE SEPARATION
As the Director of Nursing in a skilled nursing facility, you are the clinical leader and must be available to respond to urgent matters at any time. That is the nature of the role. At the same time, we believe in a healthy boundary between your personal pursuits and professional responsibilities. You will receive a dedicated work phone and laptop – so you never have to use your personal devices for work. When an issue arises, you use the work phone. When there is no active issue, you are not expected to monitor your personal devices for work. This separation allows you to be fully responsive when needed, without work bleeding into your personal space or privacy.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
PAY TRANSPARENCY
The expected pay range for this role is as stated above.
Salary : $150 - $170