Director of Nursing Services (DON)

Brookhaven at Lexington; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven at Lexington is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing Services to lead our 12-bed skilled nursing center in Lexington, MA. The DON provides strategic direction for Nursing Services, ensures regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, and resident-centered care.

This leadership role emphasizes hands-on clinical support when needed, staff development, budgeting, and collaboration with physicians, families, and interdisciplinary teams to maintain Brookhaven’s reputation for excellence.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in Massachusetts.
• BSN from an accredited nursing program.
• Minimum of five years of nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing facility or similar setting.
• Strong knowledge of Massachusetts long-term care regulations and survey processes.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all Nursing Services operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Department of Public Health requirements.
• Lead quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
• Oversee resident assessments, care planning, nursing documentation, and clinical outcomes.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, recruitment, retention, and employee development.
• Foster a culture of person-centered care, resident satisfaction, dignity, and respect.
• Oversee infection prevention and control programs.
• Collaborate with physicians, residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain nursing policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively.
• Ensure employee safety, staff education, orientation, and ongoing training requirements are met.
• Serve as a clinical resource and provide direct nursing support as needed.
• Support organizational goals and participate in committees, strategic initiatives, and community activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)

RN license (MA)

Job description

Position:Director of Nursing Services (DON)

Location: Lexington, MA

Job Id:230

# of Openings:1

Director of Nursing Services (DON)

Full-Time | Exempt

Schedule: 40 hours per week

Salary: $125,000-$150,000 annually

About the Role

Brookhaven at Lexington is seeking an experienced and dedicated Director of Nursing Services (DON) to lead our highly regarded, 5-star rated skilled nursing center. Unlike many traditional long-term care settings, Brookhaven's intimate 12-bed nursing center offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with residents, families, and staff while maintaining a strong focus on clinical excellence, quality outcomes, and person-centered care.

This is a highly visible leadership role for a nursing professional who enjoys being actively engaged with residents and staff while providing strategic direction for nursing operations. The Director of Nursing Services is responsible for the overall direction, administration, and clinical oversight of Nursing Services, including quality improvement, regulatory compliance, staffing, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer & Nursing Home Administrator, the DON plays a key role in supporting Brookhaven's commitment to excellence, dignity, and resident-centered care. While this position is primarily focused on leadership and oversight rather than routine floor coverage, the ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is willing to step in and provide clinical support when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all Nursing Services operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Department of Public Health requirements.
• Lead quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
• Oversee resident assessments, care planning, nursing documentation, and clinical outcomes.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, recruitment, retention, and employee development.
• Foster a culture of person-centered care, resident satisfaction, dignity, and respect.
• Oversee infection prevention and control programs.
• Collaborate with physicians, residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain nursing policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively.
• Ensure employee safety, staff education, orientation, and ongoing training requirements are met.
• Serve as a clinical resource and provide direct nursing support as needed.
• Support organizational goals and participate in committees, strategic initiatives, and community activities.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program.
• Minimum of five (5) years of nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing facility, long-term care setting, or similar healthcare environment.
• Strong knowledge of Massachusetts long-term care regulations and survey processes.
• Demonstrated success in staff leadership, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Prior Director of Nursing experience in a skilled nursing or long-term care community.
• Experience leading interdisciplinary teams and managing departmental budgets.

Why Brookhaven:

At Brookhaven, you'll find the unique combination of a close-knit nursing community and the resources of a well-established continuing care retirement community. Our 5-Star rated skilled nursing center is known for its commitment to exceptional care, strong clinical outcomes, and regulatory excellence, including achieving a recent deficiency-free state survey. Our dedicated team members take pride in serving residents with dignity, compassion, and the highest standards of care.

This position offers the opportunity to lead a small, highly engaged nursing team where your leadership can have a direct and meaningful impact on residents, families, and staff. If you are looking for a role that allows you to focus on quality care, mentor nursing staff, remain connected to residents, and contribute to an organization that values excellence and collaboration, Brookhaven may be the perfect fit.

Brookhaven offers competitive compensation, subsidized medical, dental and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and participation in a retirement plan with company match.