Overview
The Director of Nursing is a full-time position responsible for supervising all nursing staff and programs, ensuring quality medical care in accordance with OPWDD and The Salvation Army DDS programs. The role includes overseeing quality assurance processes, conducting routine audits of medical records, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The Director collaborates with department heads, staff, residents, and families to set goals and develop corrective plans to enhance medical services. Regular meetings and training sessions for nurses are conducted timely. The role requires reviewing resident progress and analyzing business procedures to improve service quality. The Director must be skilled in assessing patient needs, managing complex medical conditions, and coordinating multidisciplinary care. Strong analytical, critical thinking, time management, and organizational skills are essential to handle multiple cases efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
Responsibilities
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with keen attention to detail and proficiency in English.
- Reliable transportation access.
- Critical thinking, sound judgment, and discretion in handling confidential information.
- Contribute to strategic planning by providing information and implementing standards for production, productivity, quality, and customer service.
- Establish rapport with patients and understand their service requirements.
- Schedule, assign, and follow up on nursing staff duties to meet patient care needs.
- Create a compassionate environment supporting emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
- Promote patient independence through education and counseling on disease management, medications, and self-care.
- Provide information and support to patients and healthcare teams.
- Utilize multidisciplinary strategies to resolve patient needs.
- Maintain documentation of patient care according to OPWDD guidelines.
- Collaborate with management to achieve clinical outcomes.
- Travel to facility locations for management support and audits.
- Provide ongoing education to facility leadership and nursing staff.
- Oversee process development related to nursing across DDS sites.
- Conduct quarterly complaint surveys and assist with annual and complaint surveys to ensure compliance with OPWDD, CMS, and DOH guidelines.
- Identify and address regulatory compliance risks related to nursing.
- Implement corrective processes for medical issues.
- Monitor staff, processes, and policies to ensure high-quality patient care.
- Review facility systems and suggest improvements where necessary.
- Train staff on quality assurance and regulatory issues.
- Develop systems to minimize risks of adverse events or negative outcomes.
- Collaborate on projects to improve nursing services.
- Work with medical, nursing, and administrative leadership across departments.
- Proficient in MS Office and internet applications, with creativity and attention to detail.
- Review all medical components of DDS individuals for compliance and provide training or corrective actions as needed.
- Participate in hiring, supervise staff, and prepare reports on reviews, training, and supervision.
- Coordinate with primary doctors and attend required training.
- Conduct assessments and provide guidance on patient care, including discharge planning and care plans.
- Participate in facility committees and discharge planning activities.
- Assumes leadership and accountability for the nursing department’s operations.
Qualifications
- Experience in OPWDD-certified homes, community residences, or nursing homes.
- First Aid and CPR certifications preferred.
- Respect for residents and current RN license in New York State.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Supervisory experience is required.
- Availability to be on call via phone and email 24/7.
- Valid driver’s license with ability to operate large vehicles, including wheelchairs or 15-seat vans.