Hands-On ADON: Lead Nursing Team & Resident Care

LongTerm Healthcare; Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

LongTerm Healthcare seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to lead our skilled nursing team on-site, support clinical operations, mentor staff, and promote resident‑centered care. You will work closely with the DON to ensure high-quality, safe outcomes.

This hands-on nurse leader role requires strong clinical assessment, excellent communication, and ability to manage multiple priorities. You’ll coach RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, support survey readiness, and drive quality improvement

Qualifications

• Current RN license in good standing.
• Experience in a skilled nursing facility, long-term care, or post-acute setting.
• Previous supervisory or nursing leadership experience preferred.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills.
• Knowledge of skilled nursing regulations and clinical standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to lead, coach, and motivate a nursing team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong documentation and computer skills.
• Professional, dependable, and resident-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Assist the DON with the overall management of the nursing department.
• Provide clinical leadership and support to RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and CNAs.
• Monitor daily nursing operations and resident care.
• Conduct regular rounds and remain visible and accessible to residents and staff.
• Assist with care planning and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Work closely with MDS, therapy, dietary, social services, and other departments.
• Help ensure compliance with facility policies and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Assist with survey preparation and ongoing survey readiness.
• Participate in QAPI and quality improvement initiatives.
• Monitor nursing practices and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with staff scheduling, assignments, and staffing coverage.
• Support recruitment, orientation, training, and retention of nursing staff.
• Coach, mentor, and develop nurses and CNAs.
• Promote accountability and professional standards among nursing staff.
• Assist with performance management and employee counseling when appropriate.
• Help address resident and family concerns professionally and promptly.
• Support infection prevention and control initiatives.
• Assist with medication management and treatment compliance.
• Participate in nursing meetings and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff.
• Step in and provide hands-on clinical support when needed.
• Assist the DON with special projects and departmental initiatives.
• Assume responsibility for the nursing department in the DON's absence, as appropriate

Skills

Strong clinical assessment

Critical-thinking

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Team leadership

Time management

Documentation & computer skills

Education

RN license

Job description

LongTerm Healthcare seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) to lead our skilled nursing team on-site, support clinical operations, mentor staff, and promote resident‑centered care. You will work closely with the DON to ensure high-quality, safe outcomes.

This hands-on nurse leader role requires strong clinical assessment, excellent communication, and ability to manage multiple priorities. You’ll coach RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, support survey readiness, and drive quality improvement