Director of Nursing (DON) Rockaway Care Center

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for providing overall leadership, direction, and oversight of nursing services at Rockaway Care Center. The DON ensures the safety, comfort, and well-being of residents while maintaining high-quality clinical care and compliance with facility policies, regulatory requirements, and established nursing standards. The DON oversees the nursing department, including nursing staff, resident care, clinical operations, staffing, training, and quality improvement. The DON works closely with physicians, residents, families, department leaders, and the interdisciplinary team to ensure residents receive safe, compassionate, and consistent care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide overall leadership and direction to the nursing department. Supervise and support nursing staff, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Ensure residents receive safe, compassionate, and high-quality nursing care. Monitor residents' conditions and ensure appropriate care, follow-up, and interventions are provided. Ensure physician orders, care plans, medications, treatments, and documentation are completed accurately and timely. Maintain accurate and complete resident records in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements. Communicate with physicians, healthcare providers, residents, families, and the interdisciplinary team regarding resident care and changes in condition. Oversee new resident admissions, assessments, care planning, and discharge planning. Respond appropriately to resident emergencies and provide clinical guidance to nursing staff. Monitor compliance with applicable Department of Health, CMS, and other regulatory requirements. Oversee nursing staff scheduling, coverage, orientation, training, and performance management. Participate in recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and retention of nursing staff. Monitor nursing department performance and identify opportunities to improve resident care and clinical outcomes. Ensure appropriate infection prevention and control practices are followed throughout the facility. Monitor the resident environment to ensure safety, cleanliness, and quality standards are maintained. Investigate and follow up on incidents, complaints, and resident care concerns as appropriate. Communicate regularly with the Administrator regarding resident conditions, staffing, incidents, regulatory matters, and department needs. Promote a positive, respectful, and professional environment for residents, families, and staff. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Current and valid New York State Registered Nurse (RN) license . Previous nursing experience in a nursing home, skilled nursing facility (SNF), rehabilitation facility, or long-term care setting is required. CPR certification required. Minimum of five (5) years of nursing experience preferred. Previous supervisory, management, or Director of Nursing experience preferred. Experience caring for residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias preferred. Experience with wound care, medication management, and complex resident care preferred. Strong knowledge of nursing practices, long-term care, rehabilitation services, and applicable regulations. Knowledge of CMS, Department of Health, infection control, and long-term care requirements. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English. Ability to make independent decisions and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Ability to work effectively with residents, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members. Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Must demonstrate professionalism, compassion, accountability, and a positive attitude. Must be available to respond to facility emergencies as needed. Must provide required health documentation, including verification of freedom from communicable disease.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills. Knowledge of nursing home, long-term care, and rehabilitation nursing practices. Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing nursing home operations. Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in resident condition. Knowledge of medication management, treatments, infection prevention, and resident safety. Strong leadership and staff management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced nursing home environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect resident information. Proficiency with electronic medical records and standard office equipment. The Director of Nursing is expected to: Treat every resident with dignity, compassion, and respect. Respond to resident needs promptly and professionally. Communicate respectfully with residents, families, and coworkers. Lead by example and hold staff accountable for providing quality care. Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team. Maintain professionalism in conduct and appearance. Promote a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. Protect resident privacy and confidentiality. Continuously look for ways to improve the quality of resident care.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday. Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and twist as required. Ability to assist with resident transfers and repositioning as needed. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull as required to safely perform job duties. Ability to respond quickly to resident and facility emergencies. Frequent walking throughout the nursing home and resident care areas. Ability to use standard office and medical equipment. Rockaway Care Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Pay:

From $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person