Director of Nursing

Overview

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all nursing services within the nursing home. The DON ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, maintains high standards of resident care, oversees clinical staff, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to promote quality outcomes and resident safety.

• Clinical & Regulatory Oversight
  • Oversees all nursing services to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate resident care
  • Ensures compliance with CMS, state Department of Public Health, and facility policies
  • Prepares for, participates in, and responds to state and federal surveys
  • Reviews and updates nursing policies, procedures, and standards of care
  • Monitors infection prevention and control programs in collaboration with Infection Prevention staff
  • Ensures proper documentation and accurate clinical records
• Leadership & Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, supervision, and guidance to nursing management staff
  • Recruits, trains, schedules, evaluates, and disciplines nursing staff in accordance with policy and labor agreements
  • Ensures adequate staffing levels and appropriate skill mix
  • Promotes professional development and continuing education
  • Fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork, and respect
• Quality Improvement & Risk Management
  • Oversees quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives
  • Reviews incident reports, grievances, and clinical outcomes
  • Implements corrective action plans when necessary
  • Monitors falls, pressure injuries, infections, and other quality indicators
• Resident & Family Relations
  • Ensures resident rights are upheld at all times
  • Participates in care plan meetings and family conferences as needed
  • Addresses resident and family concerns in a timely and professional manner
• Administrative Responsibilities
  • Develops and manages the nursing department budget
  • Collaborates with the Administrator, Medical Director, and interdisciplinary team
  • Participates in facility committees and leadership meetings
  • Ensures compliance with HR policies, including attendance, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes

• Education & Licensure
  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of employment
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred (Master’s degree a plus)
• Experience
  • Minimum 3–5 years of nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing facility
  • Strong knowledge of long-term care regulations and survey process
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • Knowledge of CMS regulations, DPH requirements, and labor laws
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficient in electronic medical records (EMR) systems
• Physical & Work Requirements
  • Ability to walk throughout the facility and stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift or assist up to 25 pounds
  • May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or on-call as needed

Meriden Healthcare & Rehab
360 Broad Street, Meriden, CT 06450