Director of Nursing Services

Ryders Health Management; Newington (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

FSA and HSA with applicable group plan

401(k) with employer match

Employer Paid Life Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

8 Paid Holidays

Paid Training and Orientation

Casual Fridays

Uniform Allowance

Perfect Attendance

Job summary

Ryders Health Management in Newington, CT seeks a full-time Director of Nursing Services to lead and elevate nursing care across our skilled nursing facility. You will direct nursing operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of clinical excellence and teamwork.

The DNS will mentor staff, drive quality initiatives, and partner with physicians and leaders to optimize resident outcomes while maintaining survey readiness and adherence to standards.

Qualifications

• RN license in Connecticut is required
• BSN preferred; MSN or higher education is a plus
• Minimum 2+ years of clinical nursing experience with progressive responsibility
• Experience in long-term care or skilled nursing settings preferred
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations governing skilled nursing facilities
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to lead, mentor, and develop nursing staff
• Proficient in staff education and development

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all nursing services, ensuring high-quality, resident-centered care.
• Direct, supervise, and support nursing staff, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management.
• Develop, implement, and enforce nursing policies and procedures in accordance with standards and regulations.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and appropriate skill mix to meet resident needs and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee clinical operations, including care planning and resident assessments.
• Lead QAPI initiatives and monitor clinical indicators with corrective actions.
• Maintain survey readiness and lead responses during inspections and audits.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Oversee infection prevention and control programs.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources.
• Support staff education, competency development, and leadership growth.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Regulatory compliance

Interpersonal skills

Staff mentorship

Communication

English fluency

Time management

Critical thinking

Reading/writing English

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

MSN or higher education considered strong asset

Tools

CPR/BLS certification

Job description

• FSA and HSA with applicable group medical plan
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Meal Period
• Longevity Awards
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discounts
• Casual Fridays
• Paid Training and Orientation

LOCATION

Newington, CT

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

SHIFT(S)

Days/Weekends/Evenings as needed

BENEFITS – Full-Time

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• FSA and HSA with applicable group medical plan
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Meal Period
• Longevity Awards
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Perfect Attendance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discounts
• Shift Differential for Weekend, Evening & Night Shifts
• Casual Fridays
• Paid Training and Orientation
• Uniform Allowance

JOB SUMMARY

Are you an experienced nursing leader ready to guide clinical excellence and elevate the quality of care across a skilled nursing facility? We are seeking a full-time Director of Nursing Services (DNS) to lead, support, and inspire our nursing team in delivering exceptional, resident-centered care. The Director of Nursing Services is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of nursing services, ensuring compliance with all federal and state regulations while promoting a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role is instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment where staff are empowered, residents receive the highest standard of care, and quality outcomes are consistently achieved. At Ryders Health, we are committed to a supportive, team-driven culture that prioritizes professional growth, innovation, and compassionate care. If you are a dynamic leader passionate about developing teams, optimizing clinical operations, and driving quality initiatives, we invite you to join our organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all nursing services, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and resident-centered care throughout the facility.
• Direct, supervise, and support nursing staff, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and enforce nursing policies and procedures in accordance with current clinical standards and federal and Connecticut state regulations.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and appropriate skill mix to meet resident needs and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Oversee clinical operations, including care planning, resident assessments, and coordination of services to optimize outcomes and quality of life.
• Lead Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, monitoring clinical indicators and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring survey readiness and leading responses during inspections and audits.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including physicians and department leaders, to ensure effective communication and continuity of care.
• Oversee infection prevention and control programs, promoting best practices and ensuring adherence to safety standards.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and operational goals to ensure efficient and cost-effective delivery of care.
• Support staff education, competency development, and leadership growth to maintain a highly skilled and engaged workforce.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and organizational initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid, unrestricted RN license in Connecticut, in accordance with state and federal requirements for nursing leadership roles.
• Graduate of an accredited college nursing program; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred, with advanced education (MSN or hire) considered a strong asset for senior leadership positions.
• Minimum of 2+ years of clinical nursing experience, with progressive responsibility; prior experience in long-term care or skilled nursing settings strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience in a healthcare setting, with the ability to manage staff, coordinate care delivery, and support clinical operations effectively.
• Experience in staff education, training, or professional development, including the ability to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs (or willingness to complete required training/education coursework).
• Current CPR/BLS (or equivalent) certification as required by facility policy.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations governing skilled nursing facilities, with the ability to ensure compliance and maintain survey readiness.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, families, interdisciplinary teams, and regulatory agencies.
• Proven leadership mindset with a passion for mentoring, coaching, and developing nursing staff to achieve high standards of care and professional growth.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively within a long-term care or skilled nursing environment, demonstrating flexibility, professionalism, and sound clinical judgment.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

ABOUT US

Ryders Health Management is a family-owned management company overseeing Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers. Across all our centers, we provide exceptional, patient-centered care designed to support each resident’s individual recovery goals - whether they are with us for a short-term rehabilitation stay or long-term care.

Our commitment to our staff is just as strong as our commitment to our residents. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package to promote your well-being.

OUR CARING COMMUNITY

Bel-Air Manor is a 71-bed, family-owned skilled nursing facility located in Newington, CT. As part of the Ryders Health family, you’ll join a team backed by over 75 years of experience—rooted in quality care, teamwork, and staffing ratios that exceed industry standards.

Come join our compassionate, dedicated team of professionals!

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.