Assistant Director of Nursing

LifeSpire•Newport News, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) supports the Director of Nursing in delivering quality nursing care and services throughout the Healthcare Center at The Chesapeake, a LifeSpire of Virginia community. The ADON assists with clinical oversight, resident care planning, staffing, employee development, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement. As a clinical leader and role model, the ADON helps ensure nursing practices promote resident safety, dignity, choice, and well-being. The role partners with nursing leadership to guide daily operations, mentor team members, promote quality improvement, and support exceptional resident-centered care. The ADON provides leadership for the Healthcare Center when the Director of Nursing is absent and collaborates with nursing management to ensure appropriate coverage and support for after-hours emergencies.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing with the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Three to five years of experience in a nursing supervisory capacity, or a demonstrated equivalent level of skills and knowledge.
Thorough, current knowledge of nursing care methods and practices.
Understanding of geriatric care, the aging process, and the nursing process.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, lead, train, mentor, and support nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
A compassionate, resident-focused approach to care and service.
Current Healthcare Provider CPR/AED certification covering adults, children, and infants, or a plan in place to obtain certification.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a skilled nursing facility.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal healthcare regulations and employment laws.

Responsibilities

Support management and delivery of direct resident nursing care, including individualized care planning, nursing standards and goals, and monitoring resident needs and outcomes.
Conduct daily rounds to observe care and gather feedback from residents, families, and staff.
Identify opportunities to improve resident care, staffing, supplies, infection prevention, and safety.
Review daily reports, participate in daily stand-up meetings, communicate changes in resident conditions, and ensure significant medical concerns are promptly reported to the Director of Nursing and/or Healthcare Administrator.
Ensure appropriate follow-up or delegation of tasks resulting from clinical reports and team communications.
Participate in developing and implementing resident-centered care plans that incorporate individual preferences, needs, and goals.
Evaluate care practices, identify barriers to resident-directed care, and work with the team to develop solutions.
Attend resident care conferences or arrange for an appropriate designee.
Encourage residents and families to participate in shared problem-solving, care decisions, and care planning.
Provide leadership for the Healthcare Center during the Director of Nursing's absence and collaborate with nursing management to ensure appropriate nursing coverage and support for after-hours emergencies.
Oversee development and coordination of organized, appropriate resident discharge plans.
Monitor physician visits, documentation, and required certification and recertification processes for timeliness and compliance.
Promote efficient daily operations through planning, organization, goal setting, and responsiveness to changing needs.
Collaborate with nursing leadership to maintain appropriate staffing levels that meet resident care needs and align with budgets.
Assess resident acuity and care requirements and recommend staffing levels, skill mix, equipment, and supplies to the Director of Nursing and/or Healthcare Administrator.
Monitor employee time records for attendance, punctuality, and overtime utilization, addressing concerns as appropriate.
Participate in interviews for nursing department positions and submit hiring recommendations to Human Resources.
Collaborate with Human Resources and/or the Staff Development Coordinator on new employee orientation and preceptorship programs.
Monitor timely completion of employee performance evaluations.
Identify staff training needs and communicate recommendations to the Staff Development Coordinator.
Apply the organization's progressive disciplinary process consistently when documenting and addressing performance concerns.
Promote employee engagement, professional development, and retention through effective leadership and support.
Model and promote resident-centered care and help staff honor resident preferences and overcome barriers to individualized service.
Assist with developing and delivering orientation programs for new nursing employees; help select and prepare preceptors and monitor new employees' training progress.
Coach, counsel, encourage, and provide constructive feedback to staff.
Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, self-discipline, and sound judgment.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with colleagues, residents, families, and guests, verbally and in writing.
Contribute practical recommendations to improve care delivery, team performance, and operational effectiveness.
Maintain a professional presence and represent The Chesapeake and LifeSpire of Virginia positively through conduct, communication, appearance, and adherence to organizational standards.
Participate in investigations of unexpected resident outcomes, including pressure injuries, medication errors, falls, injuries of unknown origin, and other accidents.
Help use investigation findings to develop and implement corrective actions and improvement plans.
Support readiness for regulatory inspections and surveys and help ensure nursing staff understand applicable licensure, certification, and regulatory requirements.
Follow established policies and procedures while promoting quality, safety, and resident satisfaction.
Identify improvement opportunities, take initiative in resolving concerns, and support departmental goals.
Collaborate with nursing leadership and staff to strengthen care practices, promote accountability, and improve resident outcomes.
Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and development of new skills.