Director of Nursing (DON) - RN

Care Initiatives; Kingsley (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Unlimited PTO

Comprehensive Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement

Digital Wallet Access

Job summary

Care Initiatives is seeking a Director of Nursing (DON) (RN) to lead the nursing department across our 40+ skilled nursing communities in Iowa. You will oversee regulatory compliance, drive resident-centered care, and coach a team of nurses and staff to deliver compassionate, high-quality care.

The DON will partner with interdisciplinary teams, manage staffing and budget, and lead on-call rotations to ensure consistent, exceptional care for residents and their families.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in long-term care settings (ADON/DON or equivalent).
• RN license valid in Iowa or ability to activate.
• CPR certification current and valid.
• Knowledge of federal and state long-term care regs and laws.
• Desire to learn and grow in a quality-focused clinical team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee nursing operations ensuring regulatory compliance and high clinical standards.
• Champion a person-centered, home-like care model respecting resident choice and dignity.
• Coach and mentor nursing leaders and staff to deliver relationship-based care.
• Ensure appropriate care levels through strong care coordination and smooth transitions.
• Drive staffing effectiveness, staff safety, budget accountability and efficiency.
• Prepare and guide the team to achieve deficiency-free surveys with non-institutional care.
• Partner with interdisciplinary teams on pre-admission reviews, discharge planning and occupancy support.
• Conduct regular rounds to monitor care delivery and implement solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

People management

Care coordination

CPR Certification

Education

RN license in good standing (IA)

CPR Certification

Job description

Director of Nursing (DON - RN)

Make a Difference Every Day – Join Care Initiatives as a DON!

Are you a compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) leader that is looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals during their healthcare journey? If so, join Care Initiatives as a DON, where you will provide comprehensive care that truly matters. With over forty (40) skilled nursing communities across Iowa, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support at every stage of the healthcare journey.

As a DON on our team, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills and demonstrate your compassion, positively influencing the lives of our residents and team members. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our residents, their loved ones, and our team members.

Join a forward-thinking organization where your expertise is valued, and your leadership shapes the future of care.

What You’ll Do & Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee all nursing operations, ensuring regulatory compliance and high clinical standards of the nursing department.
• Champion a person-centered, home-like care model that honors resident choice, dignity, and independence.
• Coach, mentor, and inspire nursing leaders and staff to deliver exceptional, relationship-based care.
• Ensure residents and families receive the right level of care through strong care coordination and smooth service transitions.
• Drive staffing effectiveness, team member safety, budget accountability, and operational efficiency.
• Prepare, educate, and guide the team to achieve deficiency‑free surveys while maintaining a non‑institutional approach to care.
• Partner with interdisciplinary teams on pre‑admission reviews, discharge planning, and occupancy support.
• Ensure nursing staff conduct regular rounds to monitor care delivery concerns and progress; acknowledge the progress while proposing and helping implement solutions to address concerns.
• Enforce policies and guide the team, fostering both personal and team growth.
• Manage administrative functions to enhance department efficiency and pave the way for future growth.
• Participate in an on‑call rotation with other members of the leadership team.

Qualifications:

• Prior leadership experience within long‑term care as an ADON/DON.
• Valid RN license in good standing. License must be valid within the state of Iowa, or ability to activate.
• Current, valid CPR Certification.
• Knowledge of federal and state long‑term care regulations and laws.
• A desire to learn and grow as part of a quality focused clinical team.
• A strong commitment to helping others and consistently treating them with empathy, respect, patience, and discretion.

Why Join Care Initiatives?

• Competitive Compensation: Earn a highly competitive wage.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off: Enjoy healthy work life balance.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Eligible employees enjoy robust benefit options including medical, dental, vision, 403(b) retirement savings plan, unlimited PTO, and more.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Develop your skills with company paid training and education to take your career to the next level.
• Digital Wallet Access: Get paid as you earn—no more waiting for payday!

Start Your Journey with Us

At Care Initiatives, we’re committed to helping you grow your career while improving the lives of those we serve.