Director of Nursing- DON- RN

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Nursing is to manage the nursing department and administer the nursing programs in compliance with state and federal regulations as well as company policy and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

To perform this job, an individual must accomplish each essential function satisfactorily, with or without a reasonable accommodation.  

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate and direct the Nursing Services Department, as well as related programs and activities, in compliance with rules and regulations governing long term care facilities, employers and in accordance with facility policy.  This includes:

o Licensed staff

o Nursing assistants 

o Physicians’ orders

o Physician visits

o Recertifications

o Medication reviews and administration audits

o Time schedules

o In-services/education

o Infection Control practices

o Utilization review and Triple check

o Upkeep of all QA logs maintained in the DON public folder

o PAE and PASSR log

• Recognize and respond to changes in residents’ conditions and document observations, interventions and outcomes

• Arrange for and oversee the admission, transfer and discharge of residents

• Develop, maintain and periodically update written policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day functions of the nursing department

• Participate in surveys made by authorized government agencies

• Facilitate the coordination of nursing services and other departments to maintain quality care for patients

• Review, monitor, intervene and document complaints and grievances from residents, families, visitors and employees

• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Administrator regarding the operation of the Nursing Services Department

• Participate in various committees of the facility; such as care plans, infection control, pharmaceutical, budget, quality assessment and assurance, compliance committee, QAPI, etc., and those assigned by the Administrator

• Make routine rounds and authorize or conduct tours with others, such as the Administrator, physicians, other facility staff, government representatives, visitors and others

• Monitor the workplace for possible health and safety hazards and assist in the development and presentation of routine health, safety and back care training programs to prevent worker injuries

• Prepare or assist in the preparation and implementation of the Nursing Services Department budget and submit recommendations

• Audit documentation for errors or inconsistencies and make necessary corrections, or document reasons for corrections not made

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Administrator or Regional Team

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

• Maintain a reference library of written nursing materials that assist the Nursing Services Department in meeting residents’ needs

• Review and determine that personnel have the required licensure and/or certification for meeting state and/or federal requirements

• Inventory, identify and monitor the storage of equipment, supplies, etc.

• Perform emergency procedures such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Ensure that equal opportunity policy and anti-discrimination policies are adhered to in all employment decisions

• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of records, conditions and other information relating to residents, employees and facility

• Establish and encourage an atmosphere of optimism, warmth, and interest in residents’ personal and health care needs

• Successful completion of required training

• Handle multiple priorities effectively

• Independent discretion/decision making

• Make decisions under pressure

• Reliable transportation

 

Required Computer Software/Equipment used:

• Various operating systems

• Standard office equipment

• Microsoft Suite applications 

• Desktop, laptop and/or iPad

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Standard medical equipment

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience: 

o Preferred Three (3) years’ experience in supervision of others in a hospital, long term care facility, or other health care institution

o Minimum of one (1) year experience implementing total patient care and care planning

o Minimum of six (6) months’ experience in a management position in a nursing department

• License/Certification/Education:

o Bachelor’s Degree preferred, Registered Nursing Degree required

o Registered Nursing License

o CPR Certification 

 

COMPANY COMPETENCIES: 

• Respect – We treat people as they want to be treated, showing regard for their rights and privacy

• Integrity – We emphasize honesty, fairness, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching 

• Teamwork – We work collaboratively to improve processes, resolve problems and reward results

• Excellence – We hold ourselves to the highest standards, aspiring to zero defects in every task

• Compassion – We respond to those who need help with sensitivity and a positive attitude

• Professionalism – We perform our duties with skill, good judgement and politeness

 

JOB COMPETENCIES: 

1. Analytical Thinking:  Able to gather and analyze data and reach appropriate conclusion; solves problems in a timely manner.    Use logic and reasoning to identify changes in patients’ conditions to determine the correct plan of action.

2. Customer and Personal Service:  Possess good interpersonal skills while dealing with emotional or difficult situations; respond promptly to customer’s needs.  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing personal services, including needs assessment; meeting quality standards.

3. Accountability:  Accepts responsibility for own decisions, actions and results; able to maintain dependable behavior in times of crisis or complexity.

4. Attendance:  Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered; returns from lunch and breaks appropriately; arrives at meetings on time; notifies supervisor of pending absences.

5. Communication:  Speaks and writes clearly and persuasively; listens and receives clarification.

6. Ethical Behavior:  Upholds organizational values and abides by state and federal regulations; maintains confidentiality of HIPAA information; treats others with respect.

7. Initiative:  Seeks increased responsibility; sets self-improvement goals related to the organization’s objectives.

8. Job and Industry Knowledge:  Demonstrates knowledge of the position and industry; seeks additional information.  

9. Productivity and Quality of Work:  Maintains high level of performance while demonstrating commitment to accuracy and thoroughness.

10. Teamwork: Displays ease working with others; contributes ideas and skills to team; puts success of team above own interests.     Communicates with co-workers at all levels to adequately meet the needs of patients.

 

SCOPE AND LEVEL OF WORK:   

• Complexity: Duties assigned may be of substantial intricacy. Work assignment is performed within an established framework under general instructions but requires simultaneous coordination of assigned functions or projects in various stages of completion.

• Decision Making: Exercises judgment and discretion, and is responsible for determining the time, place and sequence of the work performed.

• Communications: Contacts with the public or employees where explanatory or interpretive information is exchanged, defended, and gathered and discretion and judgment are required within the parameters of the job function.

• Supervision Received: Performs work with supervisory oversight. Under general supervision, receives assignments and is expected to carry them through to completion with substantial independence. Work is reviewed for adherence to instructions, accuracy, completeness, and conformance to standard practice or precedent. Recurring work clearly covered by guidelines may or may not be reviewed.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:  

• Supervise support staff including scheduling and assigning work, reviewing performance, recommending salary increases, promotions or discharges

• Determine the staffing needs of the Nursing Services Department

• Conduct employee performance evaluations and counseling and monitor tardiness, absenteeism and disciplinary situations to ensure quality care for residents

• Oversee and approve the scheduling of personnel; as well as the daily assignments of individuals working in the Nursing Services Department

• Accomplish department objectives by supervising staff; establish goals for performance; set deadlines in compliance with company's plans and vision.

• Develop personal growth opportunities; provide constructive feedback and coaching

• Organize workflow; ensure employees understand their duties or delegated tasks

• Monitor employee productivity; provide constructive feedback and coaching

• Maintain staff by recruiting, orienting, and training employees

• Occasionally needs manager’s direction due to extraordinary circumstances

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Audio-Visual:  Hearing:  Good  

• Ability to lift to 40 pounds

• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing and pulling 

• Work is typically performed in a standard office environment; well-lit; comfortable temperature-controlled

• Above-average conversational noise is frequent

• Position may require flexible hours, unscheduled overtime or occasional week-end work

• Travel may be required

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS:

• Work safely and follow safety rules

• Report unsafe working conditions and behaviors

• Take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent others from engaging in unsafe practices

Education

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Nursing

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Registered Nurse