Hands-On Nursing Director: Transforming Senior Care

Legacy Healthcare; Fairview Heights (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Legacy Healthcare in Illinois is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to lead the nursing department and ensure high-quality resident care.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, visible leader who develops teams, improves clinical outcomes, maintains regulatory compliance, and fosters a positive culture of care across the facility. You will partner with administrators and interdisciplinary teams to drive quality and compliance.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in good standing.
• Previous Director of Nursing, ADON, or senior nursing leadership experience.
• Skilled nursing, long-term care, or post-acute experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of clinical practices and SNF regulations.
• Experience with state and federal surveys preferred.
• Strong understanding of quality improvement and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain nursing staff.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional, dependable, and resident-focused.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction to the nursing department
• Oversee daily nursing operations and resident care
• Lead and support RNs, LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership
• Establish clear clinical and performance expectations
• Monitor resident care and clinical outcomes
• Conduct regular rounds and maintain visibility throughout the facility
• Monitor changes in resident condition and ensure appropriate follow-up
• Review incidents, falls, infections, wounds, hospitalizations, and other clinical events
• Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation
• Oversee care planning and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Partner with MDS, therapy, dietary, social services, activities, and physicians
• Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies and procedures
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Maintain ongoing survey readiness
• Lead nursing preparation for state and federal surveys
• Develop and implement corrective action plans when necessary
• Monitor quality measures and clinical performance
• Lead and participate in QAPI initiatives
• Oversee infection prevention and control practices
• Monitor medication management and treatment practices
• Assist with nursing recruitment, onboarding, and retention
• Develop and mentor nurses and nursing supervisors
• Provide ongoing coaching, education, and performance feedback
• Promote accountability and professional standards
• Monitor staffing levels and work with leadership to address staffing needs
• Oversee nursing schedules and assignments
• Address resident and family concerns promptly and professionally
• Promote excellent communication between nursing and other departments
• Maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented nursing culture
• Collaborate with the Administrator and facility leadership on strategic initiatives
• Participate in leadership meetings and interdisciplinary meetings
• Serve as the primary nursing leader and clinical resource for the facility

Skills

RN license

Nursing leadership experience

Skilled nursing / long-term care

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Quality improvement

Infection prevention

Staff development

Clinical excellence

Job description

Legacy Healthcare in Illinois is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (DON) to lead the nursing department and ensure high-quality resident care.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, visible leader who develops teams, improves clinical outcomes, maintains regulatory compliance, and fosters a positive culture of care across the facility. You will partner with administrators and interdisciplinary teams to drive quality and compliance.