COL-2026-063 | Director of Nursing Services

Colwyn Group; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Telehealth options

PTO & holidays

EAP & professional development

Job summary

Colwyn Group is seeking a hands-on Director of Nursing Services for a 120-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Avon, CT. The DNS/DON will provide clinical leadership, mentor supervisors, and ensure high-quality resident care across all shifts.

With 3+ years in SNF or geriatric care and 1–2+ years in leadership, you will drive QAPI initiatives, survey readiness, and strong collaboration with the medical director and administration in a on-site role offering a $130,000–$150,000 yearly

Qualifications

• Active RN license in CT
• BLS/CPR certification
• BSN preferred
• 3+ years in SNF or geriatric long-term care
• 1–2+ years in nursing leadership
• Knowledge of CMS regulations, CT DPH mandates, Title 18/19 guidelines, and QAPI methodologies

Responsibilities

• Direct overall operations of the nursing department across all shifts, ensuring round-the-clock clinical standards.
• Lead, recruit, mentor, and evaluate unit managers, charge nurses, and CNAs.
• Oversee clinical staffing, master scheduling, and resource allocation to optimize resident care and operational efficiency.
• Maintain regular floor presence through clinical rounding to remain connected with residents, families, and direct care teams.
• Maintain ongoing survey readiness in full compliance with Connecticut DPH and CMS regulations.
• Lead the QAPI committee, monitoring clinical indicators, infection control, and fall prevention protocols.
• Supervise documentation integrity, clinical assessments, MDS alignment, and nursing SOPs.
• Conduct root-cause investigations for incidents and develop corrective plans.
• Collaborate with Facility Administrator, Medical Director, Staff Development Coordinator, and Therapy leadership.
• Advocate for residents and serve as a reliable contact for family members.
• Foster a supportive, transparent, accountability-driven environment for all clinical staff.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical oversight

Quality improvement

Staff mentoring

Resident advocacy

Education

RN license CT

BSN preferred

Job description

COL-2026-063 | Director of Nursing Services

Greater Hartford Area, United States | Posted on 10/20/2026

Job Description

Director of Nursing Services (DNS / DON) Location: Avon, CT (Greater Hartford Area) Employment Type: Full-Time | Salary Exempt (with shared on-call responsibilities) Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) / Subacute Rehab & Long-Term Care Compensation: $130,000 – $150,000 / year (commensurate with experience)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on, and clinically dedicated Director of Nursing Services (DNS) to lead the nursing department of a highly respected, established 120-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in the Greater Hartford area. This role provides clinical oversight, mentors nursing supervisors and floor staff, drives continuous quality improvement, and ensures strict adherence to state and federal healthcare standards. Supported by an accessible, on-site leadership team, the DNS plays a pivotal role in maintaining resident-centered care excellence and positive patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct overall operations of the nursing department across all shifts, ensuring round-the-clock clinical standards.
• Lead, recruit, mentor, and evaluate unit managers, charge nurses, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
• Oversee clinical staffing, master scheduling, and resource allocation to optimize resident care and operational efficiency.
• Maintain regular floor presence through clinical rounding to remain connected with residents, families, and direct care teams.
• Maintain ongoing survey readiness in full compliance with Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and CMS regulations.
• Lead the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee, monitoring clinical indicators, infection control, and fall prevention protocols.
• Supervise documentation integrity, clinical assessments, MDS alignment, and nursing standard operating procedures.
• Conduct root-cause investigations for incidents or adverse events and develop prompt, effective Plans of Correction (POC).
• Collaborate closely with the Facility Administrator, Medical Director, Staff Development Coordinator, and Therapy leadership.
• Act as an advocate for residents and serve as a reliable, compassionate point of contact for family members.
• Cultivate a supportive, transparent, and accountability-driven working environment for all clinical staff.

Required Qualifications

• Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Connecticut (or active multi-state license eligible for CT reciprocity).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• 3+ years of progressive nursing experience in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), subacute rehabilitation, or geriatric long-term care setting.
• Minimum 1–2+ years in a nursing leadership role (e.g., DNS, DON, Assistant Director of Nursing / ADNS, or Clinical Unit Manager).
• In-depth knowledge of CMS regulations, CT DPH mandates, Title 18/19 guidelines, and QAPI methodologies.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $130,000 – $150,000 (dependent on clinical leadership background)
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with company match
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• Supplemental Health Options: Direct Primary Care access, including telehealth services
• Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package and paid holidays
• Support Programs: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and professional development support