Director of Nursing (DON) Job Description

Position Title

Director of Nursing (DON)

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all nursing services within the organization. The DON ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care, compliance with regulatory requirements, effective staffing, and the development of nursing personnel. This role provides leadership to nursing teams and collaborates with physicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals to achieve organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Provide overall leadership and direction for nursing services.
• Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Foster a culture of patient safety, quality improvement, and professional development.
• Supervise nurse managers, charge nurses, and nursing staff.

Clinical Operations

• Ensure delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
• Monitor clinical performance and patient outcomes.
• Address patient care concerns and resolve clinical issues.
• Support evidence-based nursing practices.

Staffing and Workforce Development

• Recruit, hire, orient, and retain qualified nursing personnel.
• Develop staffing plans to meet patient care needs.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and mentoring.
• Coordinate education, training, and competency assessments.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accreditation and licensing standards.
• Lead quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
• Prepare for and participate in regulatory surveys and audits.

Budget and Financial Management

• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Monitor labor costs and resource utilization.
• Recommend equipment, supplies, and technology purchases.
• Support cost-effective patient care practices.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with physicians, department leaders, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Participate in executive leadership meetings and strategic planning.
• Communicate organizational goals and initiatives to nursing staff.
• Build positive relationships with residents, patients, families, and stakeholders.

Licensure

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) or (LPN)license in OH

Experience

• 5–10 years of progressive nursing leadership experience encouraged
• Experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, hospital, or healthcare settings as applicable.
• Demonstrated success in staff management, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.

Required Skills

• Leadership and team-building
• Clinical decision-making
• Regulatory and accreditation knowledge
• Budget management
• Conflict resolution
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Strategic planning
• Quality improvement and risk management
• Computer proficiency and electronic health records (EHR) systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the facility.
• Occasional lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to respond to emergencies and participate in clinical activities when necessary.

Salary Range

Varies by location, facility size, and experience level.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The organization is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.