Assistant / Director of Nursing

Job Description & Requirements

The Director of Nursing/Assistant Director of Nursing (DON/ADON) provides support and assistance to the Executive Director in sustaining the standards of nursing practice; ensuring safe, high quality, efficient and cost effective care is delivered to residents and their families.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operationalise the Nursing Home’s goals and objectives; provides leadership and oversight in the planning, development, coordination and evaluation of nursing services.
2. Responsible for the compliance of all nursing standards as stipulated by the Ministry of Health and Singapore Nursing Board.
3. Provide leadership to the team of registered and enrolled nurses, nursing aides, healthcare assistants, and healthcare attendants. This may include oversight of multi-disciplinary care providers such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, medical social workers, and others.
4. Draw up short to long-term plans, e.g., annual and 5-yearly, to accommodate trends in residential nursing care.
5. Assist the Administrator/Executive Director in identifying new programmes for the residents and projects to meet any service gaps.
6. Operationalise and monitor smooth transition of residents from acute to chronic and back to the community, where possible.
7. Ensure appropriate skills mix and adequate manpower recovery for all shifts and types of services.

Quality and Patient Safety

1. Ensure cost-effective service and optimal outcomes are maintained and/or enhanced.
2. Promote evidence-based practices or nursing care delivery.
3. Ensure quality audits are planned and conducted periodically.
4. Monitor and analyse trends and changing needs of residents in institutional settings.

Staff Development

1. Ensure written job descriptions of all categories of care healthcare staff are endorsed by management and readily accessible.
2. Direct and facilitate staff development, skills, and competency upgrading through various opportunities and pathways. These may include formal education, in-house training, and approved online learning programmes.
3. Guide orientation/induction programmes and preceptorship for all new staff.
4. Ensure written policies and procedures and work processes are available and up to date to guide nursing care delivery.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

1. Undertake any other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

Job Requirements:

• Education: Hold a degree in nursing AND a post-registration qualification in clinical nursing (e.g., an advanced diploma, post-graduate or post-basic nursing qualification).

• License: Registered Nurse with the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB).

• Experience: Have already accumulated at least 5 years of work experience in leading the provision of nursing care and services in a residential care setting.

• Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills.
  - Excellent clinical knowledge and nursing expertise.
  - Good understanding of Singapore’s healthcare regulations and eldercare policies.
  - Ability to handle emergency situations and make quick decisions.
  - Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Meet HCSA CGO requirement.