Director of Nursing

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Sick

Vacation

and More!

Job summary

The Director of Nursing at Sisters of Mercy of the Americas provides leadership for Mercy Convent in Nashville, overseeing nursing operations, standards, staffing, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.

The role requires an RN license in Tennessee, BLS certification, prior senior nursing management experience, and a commitment to aging-care; you will work with medical staff, families, and sisters to ensure safe, compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Active, unencumbered RN license in Tennessee.
• Current BLS certification.
• Senior-level nursing management experience.
• Strong knowledge of nursing standards, regulations, quality requirements.
• Experience with staffing, scheduling, and workforce management.
• Experience with older adults, geriatrics/gerontology.
• Clean, valid driver’s license.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of nursing services and ensure high-quality, evidence-based care.
• Monitor Sisters’ conditions and ensure changes are promptly communicated to appropriate clinical and administrative personnel.
• Oversee medication administration, including controlled substances and narcotics, and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Collaborate with pharmacy providers to maintain appropriate medication practices, inventory, storage, and documentation.
• Oversee physician appointments and diagnostic services and other healthcare needs.
• Coordinate quarterly and change-in-condition care conferences.
• Develop and maintain individualized, holistic care plans and update them as Sisters’ needs change.
• Oversee health records, documentation, ADL charting, and required record retention and security.
• Coordinate vaccination programs for Sisters and staff.
• Develop and maintain nursing procedures and ensure safe and appropriate medication administration.
• Communicate regularly with Medical Director, physicians, and healthcare providers.
• Coordinate care during hospitalizations and transitions back to Mercy Convent.
• Provide direct nursing care when needed.

Skills

RN license in Tennessee

BLS certification

Staffing & workforce management

Nursing leadership

Communication skills

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing

Job description

• Prior Director of Nursing experience strongly preferred
• Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee required
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• Clean, valid driver’s license required
• Experience with staffing, scheduling, and workforce management
• Strong knowledge of nursing standards, regulations, and quality requirements
• Experience managing nursing budgets and resources preferred
• Background in geriatrics/gerontology and care of the aging population required

Full Time | 30+ Hours/Week Location: Nashville, TN – Mercy Convent Salary Range: $85,000–$112,000 annually

Position Highlights

• Prior Director of Nursing experience strongly preferred
• Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee required
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
• Clean, valid driver’s license required
• Experience with staffing, scheduling, and workforce management
• Strong knowledge of nursing standards, regulations, and quality requirements
• Experience managing nursing budgets and resources preferred
• Background in geriatrics/gerontology and care of the aging population required

About The Position

The Director of Nursing provides leadership and oversight for the delivery of high-quality clinical nursing services to Sisters residing at Mercy Convent in Nashville, TN. This position supervises, educates, and evaluates the nursing team while overseeing nursing operations, clinical standards, staffing, scheduling, regulatory compliance, quality of care, and the nursing department budget.

The Director of Nursing works collaboratively with the Convent Administrator, Medical Director, physicians, Sister Life Ministers, nursing staff, families, and other partners to ensure Sisters receive safe, compassionate, coordinated, and individualized care.

This role supports the mission, values, and philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy and helps ensure that care is delivered with dignity, compassion, respect, and attention to each Sister’s individual needs.

Essential Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Nursing Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight of nursing services and ensure high-quality, evidence-based care.
• Monitor Sisters’ conditions and ensure changes are promptly communicated to appropriate clinical and administrative personnel.
• Oversee medication administration, including controlled substances and narcotics, and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
• Collaborate with pharmacy providers to maintain appropriate medication practices, inventory, storage, and documentation.
• Oversee physician appointments, specialty appointments, diagnostic testing, laboratory services, and other healthcare needs.
• Ensure physician orders are received, interpreted, documented, and implemented appropriately.
• Coordinate quarterly and change-in-condition care conferences.
• Develop and maintain individualized, holistic care plans and update them as Sisters’ needs change.
• Oversee health records, documentation, ADL charting, and required record retention and security.
• Coordinate vaccination programs for Sisters and staff.
• Develop and maintain nursing procedures and ensure safe and appropriate medication administration.
• Communicate regularly with the Medical Director, physicians, and healthcare providers.
• Coordinate care during hospitalizations and transitions back to Mercy Convent.
• Provide direct nursing care when needed.

Operations & Regulatory Compliance

• Develop, coordinate, and implement nursing policies, procedures, and clinical programs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and Tennessee state regulations, standards, and guidelines related to clinical care.
• Monitor the quality and effectiveness of health services and recommend improvements as needed.
• Ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices, including compliance with CDC guidance during infectious disease outbreaks.
• Support the development and implementation of admission and care protocols.
• Participate in strategic planning and long-range planning for the Convent.
• Promote a safe, cohesive, and collaborative environment consistent with the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy.

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, supervise, develop, and retain nursing staff.
• Oversee nursing staff performance management and conduct performance evaluations.
• Maintain required staff education and training records.
• Plan and coordinate nursing in-services and continuing education.
• Prepare and manage nursing schedules, including coverage for weekends, holidays, rotating schedules, and additional shifts as needed.
• Maintain current job duties, shift descriptions, orientation materials, and nursing forms.
• Serve as a professional role model in conduct, communication, and appearance.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the nursing department budget.
• Participate in capital planning and resource management.
• Review and authorize appropriate codes and invoices.
• Ensure nursing resources are used effectively and responsibly.

Safety & Emergency Response

• Follow and enforce safety, infection prevention, and clinical protocols.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations and identify potential safety concerns.
• Coordinate or assist with transfers to hospitals and other medical facilities.
• Accompany Sisters to medical appointments when necessary.
• Demonstrate safe lifting, transferring, and body mechanics techniques.
• Ensure appropriate use of PPE and other safety equipment.
• Report accidents, incidents, hazards, and defective equipment promptly.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment.

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate initiative and sound judgment in addressing the needs of the nursing department and Sisters.
• Accept on-call responsibilities as needed.
• Work rotating schedules, including weekends and holidays, as assigned.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with Sisters, families, employees, healthcare providers, visitors, and other contacts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program.
• Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Tennessee.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Senior-level nursing management experience.
• Strong knowledge of nursing standards, regulations, quality requirements, and clinical best practices.
• Experience with staffing, scheduling, and workforce management.
• Experience working with older adults, including a background in geriatrics and/or gerontology.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, healthcare providers, families, and external contacts.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Clean, valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Director of Nursing experience.
• Experience managing nursing budgets and resources.
• Healthcare leadership experience in a nonprofit organization.
• Experience working in a religious or faith-based organization.
• Experience in a healthcare or residential care setting.
• Ability to train, develop, and motivate staff.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful situations.
• Familiarity with the traditions, culture, and mission of the Sisters of Mercy.
• Understanding and appreciation of the Catholic Church and its traditions.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

The position may require standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, twisting, grasping, lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and other physical activities associated with providing and overseeing nursing care.

This position requires the ability to frequently lift, push, or pull up to 75 pounds and safely operate required equipment.

Full Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Sick
• Vacation
• and More!

Our Mission

Sustained and inspired by their relationship with God and one another, the mission of the Sisters of Mercy is to respond with vision and compassion to the needs of people who are poor, sick, and uneducated. This mission guides the day-to-day work of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas as we extend compassion and mercy to others, practice and encourage social justice, and strive to live mercifully.

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