Director of Nursing (don) Skilled Nursing Facility

LongTerm Healthcare; Westmont (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

LongTerm Healthcare is seeking a Director of Nursing (DON) to lead the nursing department and ensure high-quality resident care in a fast-paced skilled nursing facility. The DON will oversee operations, staffing, regulatory compliance, infection prevention, care planning, and quality improvement while partnering with facility leadership.

Ideal candidates are hands-on, visible leaders who can mentor staff, maintain survey readiness, and drive positive clinical outcomes across the

Qualifications

• Current RN license in good standing.
• Previous DON or senior nursing leadership experience.
• Experience in skilled nursing or long-term care settings preferred.
• Strong knowledge of clinical practices and SNF regulations.
• Experience with state and federal surveys preferred.
• Strong understanding of quality improvement and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the nursing department.
• Oversee daily nursing operations and resident care.
• Lead and support RNs, LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership.
• Establish clear clinical and performance expectations.
• Monitor resident care and clinical outcomes.
• Maintain survey readiness and participate in QAPI initiatives.
• Collaborate with Administrator and interdisciplinary leadership.

Skills

RN license

Nursing leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Quality improvement

Staff development

Communication skills

Job description

Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing Facility

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and results-driven Director of Nursing (DON) to lead our nursing department and help ensure the highest standards of care for our residents.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strong nurse leader who enjoys developing teams, improving clinical outcomes, maintaining regulatory compliance, and creating a positive culture of care.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, visible leader who can support their team, hold staff accountable, and work collaboratively with facility leadership.

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall leadership and clinical direction of the nursing department.

The DON will oversee nursing operations, staffing, clinical quality, staff development, regulatory compliance, infection prevention, care planning, and quality improvement while partnering closely with the Administrator and interdisciplinary leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the nursing department

• Oversee daily nursing operations and resident care

• Lead and support RNs, LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership

• Establish clear clinical and performance expectations

• Monitor resident care and clinical outcomes

• Conduct regular rounds and maintain visibility throughout the facility

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

• Review incidents, falls, infections, wounds, hospitalizations, and other clinical events

• Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation

• Oversee care planning and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Partner with MDS, therapy, dietary, social services, activities, and physicians

• Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies and procedures

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations

• Maintain ongoing survey readiness

• Lead nursing preparation for state and federal surveys

• Develop and implement corrective action plans when necessary

• Monitor quality measures and clinical performance

• Lead and participate in QAPI initiatives

• Oversee infection prevention and control practices

• Monitor medication management and treatment practices

• Assist with nursing recruitment, onboarding, and retention

• Develop and mentor nurses and nursing supervisors

• Provide ongoing coaching, education, and performance feedback

• Promote accountability and professional standards

• Monitor staffing levels and work with leadership to address staffing needs

• Oversee nursing schedules and assignments

• Address resident and family concerns promptly and professionally

• Promote excellent communication between nursing and other departments

• Maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented nursing culture

• Collaborate with the Administrator and facility leadership on strategic initiatives

• Participate in leadership meetings and interdisciplinary meetings

• Serve as the primary nursing leader and clinical resource for the facility

Qualifications

• Current RN license in good standing

• Previous Director of Nursing, ADON, or senior nursing leadership experience

• Skilled nursing, long-term care, or post-acute experience strongly preferred

• Strong knowledge of clinical practices and SNF regulations

• Experience with state and federal surveys preferred

• Strong understanding of quality improvement and regulatory compliance

• Excellent leadership and communication skills

• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking abilities

• Ability to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain nursing staff

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Professional, dependable, and resident-focused

Candidates With These Backgrounds Are Encouraged to Apply

• Director of Nursing

• DON

• Assistant Director of Nursing

• ADON

• Associate Director of Nursing

• Nursing Director

• Nursing Supervisor

• RN Supervisor

• Nurse Manager

• Clinical Nurse Manager

• Clinical Director

• Nursing Services Director

• Director of Clinical Services

Experienced ADONs and strong RN leaders who are ready to take the next step into a DON position are encouraged to apply.

The Ideal DON

We are looking for a leader who leads by example and creates a culture where residents receive excellent care and staff feel supported and valued.

The successful candidate will be:

• Visible and hands-on

• A strong clinical leader

• Approachable and supportive

• Comfortable holding staff accountable

• An excellent communicator

• Organized and decisive

• Proactive in identifying problems

• Committed to staff development

• Focused on resident outcomes

• Dedicated to quality and compliance

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means building a nursing department that consistently delivers safe, compassionate, high-quality resident care.

The DON will be expected to strengthen clinical performance, develop nursing leaders, improve staff retention, maintain survey readiness, and create a positive and accountable nursing culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer.