Director of Nursing

Director of Nursing (DON)

Location:

Villa Maria Post Acute -

Santa Maria, California Position Type:

Full-Time Salary:

$140,000 - $160,000 annually, with potential performance-based incentives Position Summary Villa Maria Post Acute is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Nursing (DON) to lead and oversee all nursing operations within our skilled nursing facility. The DON is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality resident care in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while promoting a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, and compassion. In a skilled nursing facility (SNF), the Director of Nursing plays a critical leadership role in managing clinical services for residents who require 24-hour nursing care, rehabilitation services, and ongoing medical support. This includes oversight of nursing staff, care planning, infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Clinical Leadership & Oversight Direct, supervise, and evaluate all nursing personnel including RNs, LVNs, and CNAs Ensure delivery of high-quality nursing care in accordance with physician orders and resident care plans Oversee clinical operations including admissions, discharges, and transfers Monitor and improve clinical outcomes, including falls, infections, hospital readmissions, and pressure injuries Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with all CMS , California Department of Public Health (CDPH) , and other regulatory standards Lead facility readiness for state surveys and audits Maintain accurate and compliant clinical documentation Staffing & Workforce Management Develop staffing plans to ensure appropriate coverage and minimize overtime Recruit, train, mentor, and retain nursing staff Conduct performance evaluations and disciplinary actions as needed Foster a positive and collaborative work environment Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) Lead and participate in QAPI programs to improve patient care outcomes Analyze clinical data and implement corrective action plans Ensure adherence to infection control protocols and safety standards Care Coordination Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including physicians, therapy, social services, and dietary staff Participate in care plan meetings and ensure individualized resident-centered care Communicate effectively with residents and families regarding care and concerns Budget & Resource Management Manage nursing department budget, supplies, and resources effectively Identify opportunities for cost control without compromising care quality Qualifications Active California Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing Minimum of 3-5 years of nursing leadership experience , preferably in a skilled nursing facility Prior experience as a Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing strongly preferred Strong knowledge of SNF regulations , survey process, and clinical compliance requirements Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills Skills & Competencies Strong clinical judgment and decision-making abilities Expertise in infection control and quality improvement processes Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills Detail-oriented with strong documentation and compliance focus What is a Director of Nursing in a Skilled Nursing Facility? A Director of Nursing in a skilled nursing facility is the clinical leader responsible for the overall management of resident care services . Unlike hospital settings, SNFs provide long-term care and short-term rehabilitation for residents recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, as well as those with chronic conditions.

The DON ensures:

24/7 nursing care delivery for medically complex residents Coordination of care across multiple disciplines Compliance with strict regulatory requirements Ongoing staff education and competency Continuous improvement in quality measures and resident outcomes They serve as the bridge between administration and clinical staff , ensuring both operational efficiency and compassionate, patient-centered care.

Pay:

$140,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person