Director of Nursing

Cornerstone Services; Sigourney (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornerstone Services seeks an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to lead our nursing department and drive outcomes across the facility in Sigourney, IA. As DON you will mentor RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership while ensuring compassionate, resident-centered care.

You will oversee clinical operations, staffing, compliance with CMS/state requirements, and quality metrics. This is a hands-on, visible leadership role focused on building a strong team and culture of excellence.

Qualifications

• Licensed RN in good standing and eligible to practice in Iowa.
• Experience in skilled nursing/long-term care.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for the facility's nursing department and clinical operations.
• Lead, mentor, and support RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership.
• Ensure residents receive high-quality, compassionate, individualized care.
• Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations and facility policies.
• Promote strong clinical systems and survey readiness.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and appropriate nursing coverage.
• Monitor changes in resident condition and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Collaborate with Administrator, Medical Director, MDS, Infection Preventionist, and interdisciplinary team.
• Review clinical outcomes, incidents, hospitalizations, wounds, falls, infections, and other quality measures.
• Participate in QAPI and develop improvement plans.
• Investigate and follow up on resident and family concerns.
• Recruit, develop, educate, and retain nursing staff.

Skills

RN license

Long-term care

Regulatory knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

RN license

Job description

Director of Nursing (DON)

Skilled Nursing Facility | Full-Time

We are seeking an experienced, motivated Director of Nursing (DON) to lead our nursing department and help build a culture where residents receive exceptional care and employees are supported, developed, and held to high standards.

This is an opportunity for a strong clinical leader who enjoys being involved in the building, developing a great nursing team, and taking ownership of clinical outcomes.

What You'll Do

As Director of Nursing, you will provide leadership and oversight for the facility's nursing department and overall clinical operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, mentor, and support RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership

• Ensure residents receive high-quality, compassionate, individualized care

• Maintain compliance with federal and state regulations and facility policies

• Promote strong clinical systems and survey readiness

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and appropriate nursing coverage

• Monitor changes in resident condition and ensure appropriate follow-up

• Work closely with the Administrator, Medical Director, MDS, Infection Preventionist, and interdisciplinary team

• Review clinical outcomes, incidents, hospitalizations, wounds, falls, infections, and other quality measures

• Participate in QAPI and develop plans to improve identified areas

• Ensure timely investigation and follow-up of resident and family concerns

• Recruit, develop, educate, and retain strong nursing staff

• Hold team members accountable while creating a positive and supportive work environment

• Be visible, approachable, and actively involved in day-to-day operations

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• A licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in good standing

• Experienced in skilled nursing/long-term care

• Knowledgeable about CMS and state regulatory requirements

• A strong clinical decision-maker

• Organized and able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment

• Comfortable holding others accountable and following through

• An effective communicator with staff, residents, families, physicians, and leadership

• Passionate about developing employees and building a strong nursing department

• Proactive rather than reactive

• Willing to jump in and help the team when needed

Previous DON, ADON, Unit Manager, or other nursing leadership experience is strongly preferred.

The Leader We Want

We aren't looking for someone who simply manages the nursing department from an office.

We want a DON who knows the residents, knows the staff, understands what's happening on the floor, and takes ownership of the clinical operation.

The right leader will set clear expectations, communicate openly, solve problems alongside the team, and recognize that excellent resident care starts with a well-supported and accountable staff.

Why Join Us?

You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the culture, clinical systems, and quality of care within the facility. We value leaders who bring ideas forward, communicate openly, take ownership, and aren't afraid to make improvements.

If you're a strong nurse leader who wants the opportunity to build a team, improve outcomes, and make a difference for residents, we'd love to talk with you.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.