RN - Director of Nursing, DON - Skilled Nursing
About The Position
Director of Nursing (DON, RN) – Skilled Nursing Lead Clinical Operations. Build Stability. Drive Outcomes. Elderwood at Cheektowaga | Cheektowaga, NY This Role Requires a Proven Clinical Leader. Elderwood at Cheektowaga is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (RN) to lead all clinical operations within our 172-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for: Clinical quality and outcomes Nursing team performance and development Regulatory compliance and survey readiness Building consistency, accountability, and culture across the nursing department We are looking for a leader who is steady, experienced in long-term care, and confident managing complexity. Why Elderwood at Cheektowaga: 172-bed SNF with subacute and long-term care population Specialized programs including Seasons® Memory Care (dementia) Strong rehabilitation focus (cardiac, orthopedic, post-surgical) Located on a continuum-of-care campus Supported by regional clinical leadership and corporate resources This is a facility where scale, acuity, and opportunity intersect.
Requirements
- Credentials of a Registered Professional Nurse with a current State license required.
- At least two years of supervisory nursing experience and additional training and experience commensurate with the size of the facility and responsibilities of the position required.
- Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing, utilize creative problem solving, and handle problems diplomatically required.
- Exhibits characteristics of effective managerial leadership skills. These characteristics should include: desire for improvement; builder of trust; creating an environment where staff can experience pride. Their efforts are directed at allowing each worker to perform his or her own work and performing in a manner consistent with the aims and standards of the organization.
- This position requires regular interaction with residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors. In order to ensure a safe work environment for residents, coworkers, visitors, and/or supervisors of the Company, and to permit unfettered communication between the employee and those residents, coworkers, visitors, and supervisors, this position requires that the employee be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language at an intermediate or more advanced level.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing or administration preferred.
- Geriatric nursing training preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all nursing services and clinical operations
- Ensure delivery of safe, high-quality resident care consistent with state and federal regulations
- Promote strong clinical outcomes through quality improvement initiatives and survey readiness
- Conduct routine rounds and monitor clinical performance across all units
- Ensure accurate documentation, care planning, and interdisciplinary coordination of resident care
- Recruit, mentor, and develop nursing leadership including ADONs, nurse managers, and nursing staff
- Oversee onboarding, orientation, and ongoing clinical education programs
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to support staff success
- Collaborate with Human Resources and facility leadership on staffing, scheduling, and employee relations
- Ensure compliance with Department of Health regulations and facility policies
- Maintain oversight of infection control practices and clinical safety standards
- Lead response and preparation for regulatory surveys and audits
- Ensure resident rights are protected and care is delivered with dignity and respect
- Partner with the Administrator and interdisciplinary team to drive operational excellence
- Monitor staffing plans and support workforce stability within the nursing department
- Contribute to department budgeting, resource planning, and operational strategy
- Represent the nursing department in leadership meetings, quality committees, and care planning discussions
- Address resident and family concerns regarding care in a timely and professional manner
- Foster a culture of compassionate, resident-centered care throughout the facility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
