Director of Nursing

Lead with Compassion. Inspire Clinical Excellence.

Pomperaug Woods is seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Nursing (DON) to lead the delivery of exceptional resident-centered care within our Health Center. This key leadership role is responsible for the overall management, planning, organization, and direction of nursing services, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations while maintaining the highest standards of clinical quality and resident satisfaction.

The ideal candidate is a strong clinical leader who is passionate about geriatric care, mentorship, staff development, regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture that supports the whole-person wellness of our residents and team members.

At Pomperaug Woods, we proudly model and promote our CARES values and are committed to creating an environment where residents and employees thrive.

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing is responsible for directing all nursing operations within the Health Center, including clinical care, staffing, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, education, budget oversight, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Working closely with the Executive Director, Medical Director, physicians, residents, families, and staff, the DON ensures the highest level of quality care is provided to every resident.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Resident Care

• Direct and oversee all nursing services and supportive clinical services within the Health Center.
• Ensure residents receive comprehensive, individualized, and quality care.
• Coordinate resident services with outside providers, including home health, hospice, rehabilitation, psychological services, and private-duty caregivers.
• Review nursing requirements for new admissions and assist physicians in care planning.
• Oversee resident care plan development and implementation.
• Monitor resident clinical status and ensure communication with families, providers, and leadership regarding significant health changes.
• Maintain visibility throughout the community and routinely conduct rounds to ensure quality care and resident safety.
• Evaluate admissions for appropriate level of care and Medicare eligibility.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, evaluate, and discipline nursing personnel.
• Develop and maintain staffing plans that support resident care needs and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adequate 24-hour nursing coverage.
• Oversee orientation programs, probationary reviews, and annual employee evaluations.
• Coordinate in-service education and professional development opportunities.
• Promote a supportive, collaborative, and accountable nursing culture.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and organizational regulations and standards.
• Maintain HIPAA and corporate compliance standards.
• Lead Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement initiatives.
• Participate in quarterly assurance meetings and annual policy reviews.
• Oversee MDS completion and timely submission.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of clinical records and Medicare documentation.
• Develop and maintain nursing standards of practice, policies, and procedures.

Operations & Financial Management

• Manage nursing department budgets and monitor expenditures.
• Oversee inventory and purchasing of nursing supplies, equipment, and office supplies.
• Review operating statements and address budget variances.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure nursing licenses and certifications remain current.

Community Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with residents, family members, staff, and community partners.
• Participate in resident activities and events as appropriate.
• Promote Pomperaug Woods' commitment to wellness and person-centered care.

Leadership Coverage

• Participate in an on-call rotation, including weekends and after-hours responsibilities.
• Serve as Manager on Duty on scheduled weekends.
• Act on behalf of the Administrator, when necessary.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Connecticut.
• Minimum of two (2) years of nursing administration experience, preferably in a long-term care, skilled nursing, or senior living setting.
• Minimum of two (2) years of geriatric nursing experience.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal long-term care regulations.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Participation in professional geriatric nursing organizations.
• NADONA certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Experience with MDS, Medicare documentation, quality assurance, and regulatory surveys.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move quickly throughout the community, particularly during emergencies.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and up to 150 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to push and pull wheelchairs up to 150 pounds.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for up to 80% of the workday.
• Ability to stoop, bend, reach, and perform physical tasks associated with resident care and supervision.
• Visual, hearing, and verbal communication abilities required.
• May be exposed to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, cleaning chemicals, and other healthcare-related environmental factors.

Why Join Pomperaug Woods?

• Opportunity to lead a highly dedicated nursing team.
• Mission-driven environment focused on resident well-being.
• Collaborative leadership culture.
• Meaningful work that impacts the lives of older adults every day.
• Commitment to professional growth and excellence in care.

Apply today and become part of a community dedicated to providing exceptional care, dignity, and quality of life for every resident.