Director of Nursing - Skilled Nursing

Gilder Search Group; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Full Spectrum Search Group is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing Services (DNS) for a skilled nursing facility in Lakeport, California. This hands-on nursing leader will strengthen clinical operations, rebuild nursing culture, and develop staff to improve facility performance.

The role requires active RN licensure in California, a track record of leadership on the nursing floor, and experience with regulatory compliance and turnaround efforts.

Qualifications

• Active California RN license or eligibility for California licensure.
• Proven leadership on nursing floor with hands-on involvement.
• Strong understanding of California SNF regulations and survey process.
• Experience turning around or rebuilding skilled nursing operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of nursing operations.
• Maintain presence on the nursing floor and lead by example.
• Develop and retain nursing staff across departments.
• Ensure high-quality resident care and positive clinical outcomes.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and drive quality improvement.

Skills

Executive leadership

Staff development

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

RN license (CA)

Job description

Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing

Relocation to Lakeport, CA

Full Spectrum Search Group is a full-service healthcare recruiting agency specializing in post-acute leadership and healthcare administration. We are seeking an experienced Director of Nursing Services (DNS) for a skilled nursing facility in Lakeport, California.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a hands‑on nursing leader who is ready to strengthen clinical operations, rebuild nursing culture, develop staff, and make a meaningful impact on the overall performance of the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of nursing operations within the facility
• Maintain a strong presence on the nursing floor and lead by example
• Lead, mentor, develop, and retain nursing staff across all departments
• Build a cohesive nursing team and establish a culture of accountability and teamwork
• Ensure delivery of high-quality resident care and positive clinical outcomes
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Drive survey readiness, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives
• Identify and address clinical, documentation, and process gaps
• Partner with the Administrator and interdisciplinary leadership team to achieve clinical and operational goals
• Monitor staffing levels, scheduling, and workforce development
• Oversee infection prevention, risk management, and quality initiatives
• Help stabilize and improve overall nursing operations and facility performance

Qualifications

• Active California RN license or eligibility for California licensure
• Previous Director of Nursing, Director of Nursing Services, or comparable nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing facility
• Proven hands‑on leadership style with a willingness to be actively involved on the nursing floor
• Strong understanding of California skilled nursing regulations and the survey process
• Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and stabilize clinical teams
• Experience in a turnaround, rebuilding, or challenging skilled nursing environment preferred
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
• Willing to relocate to Lakeport, CA

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out

• High‑Impact Leadership Opportunity: Take ownership of clinical operations and play a key role in strengthening nursing performance, staff culture, and resident care.
• Hands‑On Leadership: Lead from the floor, work directly with staff, and remain actively involved in day-to-day clinical operations.
• Supportive Leadership Team: Work alongside experienced operational leadership with a collaborative approach and a strong commitment to the facility's success.
• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive compensation package that reflects the experience and leadership expertise required for this position.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation support may be available for the right candidate.

Other Nursing Leadership Opportunities

If Lakeport isn't the right fit, we also have Regional Nurse Consultant opportunities available in California, including:

• Northern California: Regional Nurse Consultant overseeing a portfolio of skilled nursing facilities, with a focus on clinical quality, regulatory compliance, survey readiness, and quality improvement.
• Central Valley: Regional Nurse Consultant supporting five skilled nursing facilities in the Modesto/Turlock area, partnering with the CNO and regional leadership during a period of significant organizational growth.

If either of these opportunities is of interest, we would be happy to discuss them with you.

Full Spectrum is an equal opportunity search firm. We recruit candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under local, state, or federal law.