Assistant/Alternate Director of Nursing (ADON)

Sunshine Pediatric Day Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sunshine Pediatric Day Center in Houston, Texas is seeking an Assistant/Alternate Director of Nursing (ADON) to lead pediatric nursing efforts and ensure high-quality care. The ADON will oversee clinical operations, provide mentorship to staff, and ensure adherence to regulations.

The ideal candidate will have a valid RN license, CPR certification, and experience in pediatric leadership. This role is crucial in facilitating patient care and supporting medical teams in a bustling clinical environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of supervision experience in a pediatric setting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor nursing staff.
• Strong understanding of the Texas Nursing Practice Act.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily clinical operations and patient assignments.
• Ensure adherence to nursing best practices.
• Provide mentorship and conduct staff evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Clinical expertise

Education

Current RN license in Texas

Current CPR certification

Advanced pediatric certifications (PALS, ACLS, NRP)

Job description

Assistant/Alternate Director of Nursing (ADON)

The Assistant/Alternate Director of Nursing (ADON) plays a pivotal leadership role in delivering exceptional, family-centered pediatric care within the PPECC environment. Under the guidance of the Director of Nursing and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the ADON ensures the highest quality nursing services, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. This position serves as the alternate DON in their absence, providing both clinical expertise and strong leadership to staff.

Qualifications

Required:

Current, unrestricted RN license in Texas per Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 301, with no disciplinary actions.

Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred:

Minimum of two (2) years of supervision and management experience in a pediatric setting, caring for medically or technologically dependent children.

Advanced pediatric certifications (PALS, ACLS, NRP) as applicable.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Patient Care

Oversee daily clinical operations, including admissions, discharges, patient assignments, and continuity of care.

Serve as the primary decision‑maker in the DONs absence, ensuring adherence to nursing best practices and individualized plans of care.

Monitor patient status, respond to changes promptly, and ensure patient comfort and safety.

Review, approve, and maintain accurate EMR documentation for all patients.

Facilitate recertification processes, medication reconciliation, and quality assurance chart reviews.

Staff Supervision & Development

Provide direct supervision and mentorship to nursing staff, including RNs, LVNs, and support personnel.

Conduct performance evaluations, coach for improvement, and implement corrective actions as needed.

Lead orientation, training programs, and professional development initiatives for new and existing staff.

Coordinate daily huddles to communicate assignments, updates, and priorities.

Administrative Oversight

Develop staffing schedules and ensure adequate coverage at all times.

Maintain inventory of medical supplies and equipment, ordering as necessary.

Participate in IDT calls, monthly leadership meetings, and multidisciplinary treatment planning sessions.

Manage patient transportation schedules and coordinate with transport staff.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure all nursing care adheres to the Texas Nursing Practice Act, PPECC policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.

Conduct regular site walkthroughs to verify cleanliness, safety, and readiness.

Document incidents and infections per protocol in KanTime.

Promote health education, disease prevention, and caregiver engagement.

Emergency & Special Situations

Provide or arrange for immediate emergency care as needed.

Accompany patients to hospitals via ambulance and remain until caregivers arrive.

Serve as a liaison between the healthcare team, patients, families, and community resources.

Core Competencies

Leadership: Inspires trust, fosters collaboration, and drives team performance.

Communication: Delivers clear, compassionate, and timely communication to staff, patients, and families.

Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing patient needs and operational demands.

Problem‑Solving: Anticipates challenges and implements effective solutions.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Work primarily performed in a clinical environment with potential exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials; adherence to PPE protocols required.

Occasional off‑site duties and participation in community events.

Ability to lift, position, and assist patients as necessary.