Find & Apply For Director of Nursing Jobs in Fort Lee, New Jersey

JOB DESCRIPTION

DIRECTOR

OF NURSING

(DON)

Job Title:

Director of Nursing (DON)

Department:

Clinical Services /

Nursing Reports To:

Administrator /

Governing Body FLSA Status:

Exempt Employment Type:

Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the clinical oversight, direction, and coordination of nursing services at Palisade Surgery Center, LLC. The DON ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care while maintaining compliance with CMS Ambulatory Surgery Center Conditions for Coverage, New Jersey Department of Health requirements, AAAASF standards, OSHA, infection prevention standards, and facility policies. The DON provides leadership to nursing and clinical staff, oversees patient care delivery, quality improvement activities, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, staffing, education, and clinical operations to ensure safe and efficient patient outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CLINICAL OPERATIONS

Oversees day-to-day nursing and clinical operations of the surgery center Ensures safe, effective, and compliant patient care delivery Maintains compliance with clinical policies, procedures, and standards of care Assists in patient flow, staffing coordination, and clinical operations as needed Monitors patient safety initiatives and risk reduction efforts

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Ensures compliance with: New Jersey Department of Health regulations AAAASF standards OSHA regulations Infection prevention requirements Maintains readiness for surveys, inspections, and audits Participates in policy review and regulatory updates

STAFF SUPERVISION & LEADERSHIP

Supervises nursing and clinical staff including RNs, Surgical Technologists, Medical Assistants, and PACU personnel Participates in recruitment, onboarding, orientation, performance evaluations, corrective action, and retention efforts Assists with staffing schedules and clinical coverage Promotes teamwork, accountability, and professional conduct

STAFF EDUCATION & COMPETENCY

Oversees annual education, orientation, competencies, and mandatory training requirements Ensures staff maintain required certifications and licensure (BLS, ACLS, RN License, CST, etc.) Conducts or coordinates competency validation and continuing education

QUALITY ASSURANCE / PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

(QAPI) Participates in QAPI activities and quality improvement initiatives Tracks patient safety indicators, incidents, and clinical outcomes Assists with audits, peer review activities, and corrective action planning Monitors infection surveillance and quality metrics

INFECTION PREVENTION

Supports infection prevention and surveillance activities Ensures compliance with hand hygiene, PPE, sterile technique, and reprocessing standards Investigates infection concerns and reports trends as required

MEDICATION & CLINICAL SAFETY

Oversees medication safety practices and controlled substance compliance Ensures crash cart readiness, emergency preparedness, and emergency equipment availability Participates in emergency drills and response planning

MEDICAL RECORDS & DOCUMENTATION

Ensures nursing and clinical documentation is accurate, complete, and timely Supports chart audits and regulatory documentation requirements Maintains patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance

COMMITTEES & COLLABORATION

Participates in Governing Body, QAPI, Infection Prevention, Safety, and Medical Staff activities as assigned Collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, consultants, and leadership to improve patient care and operations

OTHER DUTIES

Performs clinical duties as needed to support operations Participates in special projects and administrative initiatives Performs additional responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATIONS

Current unrestricted New Jersey Registered Nurse (RN) License required Current BLS Certification required ACLS Certification required

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 2-4 years of perioperative, ambulatory surgery, PACU, OR, or surgical services experience preferred Leadership or supervisory experience preferred Experience with regulatory compliance and accreditation readiness preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of ambulatory surgery center operations Strong leadership and communication skills Knowledge of infection prevention, medication safety, and emergency preparedness Ability to manage staff, prioritize workflow, and maintain compliance Ability to respond effectively during emergencies and high-stress situations

Pay:

$60.00 - $75.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person