Director of Nursing

Skilled-Nursing-and-Rehab-1; Sigourney (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Skilled Nursing Facility is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to lead the nursing department, build a culture of exceptional resident care, and support a dedicated staff. The DON will own clinical operations, drive quality outcomes, and ensure compliance with CMS and state regulations.

The successful candidate will mentor RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and leadership, manage staffing and scheduling, and partner with administration to deliver safe, compassionate care.

Qualifications

• Must hold an active RN license in good standing.
• Experience in skilled nursing/long-term care.
• Strong clinical decision-making and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of CMS and state regulations.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and retain staff.
• Excellent communication with staff, residents, families, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the nursing department and clinical operations.
• Mentor RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership.
• Ensure high-quality, compassionate, individualized care.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and survey readiness.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and coverage.
• Monitor resident condition and follow up.
• Collaborate with Administrator, Medical Director, MDS, Infection Preventionist, and interdisciplinary team.
• Participate in QAPI and quality improvement plans.
• Investigate resident and family concerns promptly.

Skills

RN license

Long-term care experience

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Staff development

Effective communication

CMS regulations

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.