Director of Nursing (DON)
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent | Direct Hire | On-Site
A premier nonprofit skilled nursing facility in Connecticut is seeking a Director of Nursing (DON) to provide clinical leadership and operational oversight for its Nursing Services Department.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Nursing plans, organizes, develops, and directs all day-to-day nursing functions in accordance with state, federal, and local regulatory standards. In this key leadership role, you will champion resident-centered care, lead a dedicated nursing team, drive quality improvement, and ensure residents attain their highest practicable level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize, develop, implement, evaluate, and direct the day-to-day operations and functions of the nursing services department
- Provide clinical and administrative leadership to nursing staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, compassion, and high-quality care
- Ensure all nursing services comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, long-term care regulations, and facility policies
- Determine nursing staffing needs, manage schedules and work assignments, and participate in recruiting, onboarding, and retaining qualified nursing staff
- Conduct regular clinical rounds to monitor nursing practices, care delivery, medication administration, treatment protocols, and infection prevention standards
- Oversee comprehensive resident assessments and person-centered care planning, ensuring changes in condition are promptly identified and addressed
- Collaborate with medical directors, attending physicians, rehabilitation specialists, social services, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care
- Lead nursing participation in the facility’s Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, monitoring clinical quality measures and outcomes
- Oversee state and federal regulatory surveys, leading the development and implementation of plans of correction for nursing services
- Plan and manage the nursing services budget, recommending appropriate staffing, equipment, supply, and operational resource allocations
- Maintain required nursing credentials, certifications, educational competencies, and personnel records in compliance with health system standards
- Communicate effectively with residents and family members, responding to clinical concerns in a professional, empathetic, and timely manner
Qualifications
- Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred
- Licensure & Certification: Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Connecticut required; active CPR certification required
- Leadership Experience: Proven clinical leadership and supervisory experience within a skilled nursing facility, long-term care facility, or related acute/sub-acute healthcare setting required (long-term care experience strongly preferred)
- Regulatory Expertise: Strong working knowledge of state and federal long-term care regulations, CMS Requirements of Participation, infection control protocols, and clinical care standards
- Clinical & Administrative Skills: Exceptional clinical judgment, organizational efficiency, financial acumen, and problem-solving capabilities
- Communication & Team Building: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of developing cohesive nursing teams and partnering with families and regulators
Benefits
- Medical, dental & insurance benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan with Traditional and Roth options
- 100% employer match up to 2% of contributions
- Additional 1% retirement match may be available based on eligibility
- Paid Time Off (PTO) – includes vacation, personal & sick time, with accrual based on length of service
- 6 paid holidays
- Connecticut Paid Sick Leave – accrues at 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year
- Tuition/course reimbursement – up to $4,000 annually for full-time employees, subject to approval
- Weekly pay
- Employee well-being & support resources
Note on Compensation & Hiring Requirements: Final base compensation and overall financial packages will be verified during the interview process. All job offers are strictly contingent upon the successful completion of standard pre-employment background checks, license verification, health/immunization clearances, and regulatory screenings.
Note on Employment Status: The position and details detailed above reflect full-time employment status.
If you are interested in exploring this Licensed Nursing Home Administrator leadership opportunity in Connecticut, we would love to connect with you!