An Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) in a nursing home is a nursing leader who helps oversee the delivery of resident care, supervises nursing staff, and supports the Director of Nursing (DON) in ensuring quality care and regulatory compliance.

Typical responsibilities include:

Supervising and mentoring registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Assisting with staffing, scheduling, and ensuring adequate nursing coverage. Monitoring the quality of resident care and addressing clinical concerns. Helping ensure compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations, including survey readiness. Participating in quality improvement and infection prevention initiatives. Assisting with resident assessments, care planning, and clinical documentation. Investigating incidents, managing follow-up, and implementing corrective actions when needed. Supporting employee orientation, training, competency evaluations, and performance management. Collaborating with physicians, therapists, social services, dietary, and other interdisciplinary team members. Acting as the Director of Nursing when the DON is unavailable. Common qualifications Current RN license (required in most facilities). Experience in long-term care or skilled nursing, often 2-5 years or more. Prior supervisory or charge nurse experience is typically preferred. Knowledge of long-term care regulations, documentation standards, infection control, and quality assurance. Key skills Leadership and staff development. Clinical assessment and critical thinking. Communication and conflict resolution. Organization and time management. Knowledge of long-term care regulations and survey processes. Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.