Director of Nursing

Dickson Health and Rehab; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TN Healthcare and Rehab in Nashville is seeking a Director of Nursing (DON) to lead the Nursing Services department in a long-term care facility. You will ensure high-quality resident care, regulatory compliance, and a culture of safety and accountability.

Responsibilities include staffing, policy oversight, staff development, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to improve outcomes. An RN license in Tennessee and leadership experience are required, with BSN preferred.

Qualifications

• RN license in Tennessee is required.
• 2–5 years nursing leadership experience, preferably in LTC/SNF.
• Strong knowledge of long-term care regulations and survey processes.
• Proven leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct, supervise, and evaluate all nursing personnel.
• Develop staffing plans for coverage and acuity-based care.
• Foster a positive work environment and staff retention.
• Recruit, hire, orient, and train nursing staff.
• Ensure delivery of quality care and oversee care planning.
• Monitor infection control practices and clinical outcomes.
• Maintain CMS/state regulatory compliance and survey readiness.
• Lead QAPI initiatives and performance improvement efforts.
• Manage department budget and resources.
• Participate in on-call rotation and leadership meetings.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Staff development

Education

Tennessee RN license

BSN or higher preferred

Job description

Job Description: Director of Nursing (DON)

Position Title: Director of Nursing

Department: Nursing Services

Reports To: Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salary)

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and operation of the Nursing Services Department in a long-term care facility. The DON ensures the delivery of high-quality resident care in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS guidelines, while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and excellence.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Direct, supervise, and evaluate all nursing personnel

• Develop staffing plans to ensure appropriate coverage and acuity-based care

• Foster a positive work environment and promote staff retention

• Participate in recruitment, hiring, orientation, and ongoing training

Clinical Oversight

• Ensure delivery of quality nursing care to all residents

• Oversee care planning process and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Monitor infection control practices and clinical outcomes

• Ensure proper documentation and adherence to standards of care

Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness

• Maintain compliance with all CMS, federal, and state regulations

• Lead facility preparation for state and federal surveys

• Develop and implement Plans of Correction (POC) when necessary

• Monitor and address compliance issues, including F-tags

Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Lead QAPI initiatives and performance improvement efforts

• Analyze clinical data, trends, and quality indicators

• Implement corrective actions to improve resident outcomes

Staff Development & Education

• Ensure ongoing education and competency of nursing staff

• Conduct performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed

• Promote leadership development within the nursing team

Resident & Family Relations

• Address concerns and grievances related to nursing care

• Promote resident rights, dignity, and person-centered care

• Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary team members

Operational Responsibilities

• Manage nursing department budget and resources

• Ensure appropriate use of supplies and equipment

• Participate in facility committees and leadership meetings

• Maintain adequate staffing levels and schedule coverage

On-Call Responsibility

• Participate in on-call rotation and respond to facility needs as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Current, active, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee.

• Minimum [2–5] years of nursing leadership experience (preferably in LTC/SNF)

• Strong knowledge of long-term care regulations and survey process

• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as Director of Nursing or Assistant DON

• Experience with CMS quality measures and Five-Star program

• Preferred BSN or advanced nursing degree

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of clinical operations in long-term care

• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities

• Knowledge of infection control, documentation standards, and risk management

• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility

• Ability to lift, push, or pull up as needed

• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations

Work Environment

• Long-term care setting with frequent interruptions

• Exposure to infectious diseases and healthcare-related hazards

• Requires flexibility in schedule, including weekends and on-call

Compliance Statement

The Director of Nursing must comply with all facility policies and procedures, as well as federal, state, and local regulations governing long-term care facilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

TN Healthcare and Rehab is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable employment laws.

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