Director of Nursing, RN

National Lutheran Communities & Services; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement savings plan with employer

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance and wellness

Professional development and growth

Job summary

National Lutheran Communities & Services in Rockville, MD is seeking a Nursing Director (DON) to lead Nursing Services with responsibility for clinical quality, resident outcomes, regulatory excellence, and the performance and development of the nursing team. You'll work closely with the Healthcare Administrator and community leadership to shape care delivery and culture.

The role requires a current RN license, a nursing degree (BSN preferred), and at least five years of progressive nursing

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted RN license.
• Nursing degree; BSN preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive nursing experience with 3+ years in leadership in long-term care or related healthcare.
• Strong regulatory knowledge and quality improvement capability.
• Leadership style focused on developing people, setting clear expectations, and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the nursing leadership team and create a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration.
• Drive clinical quality, resident outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure strong nursing operations, staffing, regulatory compliance, and survey readiness.
• Use clinical, workforce, and operational data to identify trends and improve performance.
• Manage nursing labor and resources while balancing quality, workforce needs, and financial responsibility.
• Partner across disciplines to solve problems and continually improve the resident and team member experience.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Data-driven decision making

People development

Education

RN license (current, unrestricted)

Nursing degree; BSN preferred

Job description

Nursing Director (DON)

A Nursing Director's impact can be felt throughout an entire community. In the team they build. The leaders they develop. The culture they shape. And the experience they create for residents and team members. If you're an experienced nursing leader who wants the opportunity to shape culture, develop people, and have a real voice in how care is delivered, we’d like to meet you. As our Nursing Director (DON), you'll lead Nursing Services with responsibility for clinical quality, resident outcomes, regulatory excellence, and the performance and development of the nursing team. You'll work closely with the Healthcare Administrator and community leadership team in an environment where nursing leadership matters.

Salary Range: $130,000–$160,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, and other relevant factors.

What You'll Do

• Lead and develop the nursing leadership team and create a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration
• Drive clinical quality, resident outcomes, and continuous improvement
• Ensure strong nursing operations, staffing, regulatory compliance, and survey readiness
• Use clinical, workforce, and operational data to identify trends and improve performance
• Manage nursing labor and resources while balancing quality, workforce needs, and financial responsibility
• Partner across disciplines to solve problems and continually improve the resident and team member experience

What You'll Bring

• Current, unrestricted RN license
• Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program; BSN preferred
• At least five years of progressive nursing experience, including three years of nursing leadership or management experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, senior living, or a related healthcare environment
• Strong clinical judgment and knowledge of regulatory requirements, quality improvement, and nursing operations
• A leadership style centered on developing people, setting clear expectations, and creating accountability
• Comfort with technology, data, and evolving digital and AI-enabled tools
• The agility to lead effectively through changing priorities and complex situations

Why Us

We are a purpose-driven, not-for-profit organization where you can influence more than clinical operations. You'll have the opportunity to shape nursing culture, develop the next generation of nursing leaders, and work alongside leaders who believe quality resident care and a strong employee experience go hand in hand.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off
• Life and disability insuranceEmployee assistance and wellness resources
• Professional development and growth opportunities