Director of Nursing (RN)

Wheatland Nursing Center Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing•Russell, KS

About The Position

The Director of Nursing (DON) leads the clinical team and oversees nursing services in a skilled nursing community. The role provides clinical supervision, strategic direction, and regulatory oversight to support exceptional, resident-centered care and Americare’s standards. Working with the Administrator and interdisciplinary teams, the DON guides assessments, care planning, medication management, and staff development, while fostering a safe, compliant, home-like environment that supports residents and team members.

Requirements

Current state Registered Nurse (RN) license.
Proven nursing leadership experience; preferably in skilled nursing, senior living, or long-term care.
Strong clinical knowledge and leadership capabilities.
Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with hands-on clinical oversight.
Sound judgment, organization, and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to work closely with staff, administrators, physicians, residents, and families.
Passion for senior care.
Alignment with Americare’s mission, values, and commitment to quality of life.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, bend, and change positions frequently.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and assist with resident transfers as needed.
Ability to push or pull up to 100 lbs. and maneuver wheelchairs up to 350 lbs.
Ability to assist in lowering residents to the floor during falls using proper procedures.
Ability to use required safety equipment, including gait belts and mechanical lifts.
Ability to perform tasks requiring good vision, hearing, and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

Oversee the clinical supervision and administration of all nursing services.
Implement, maintain, and periodically revise nursing objectives, standards, policies, and procedures.
Provide clinical guidance and leadership to nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and other care team members.
Partner with the Administrator to ensure staff receive required orientation, in-service education, and ongoing training.
Conduct and oversee resident assessments and ensure clinical documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant.
Ensure compliance with state, federal, and Americare regulations, including survey readiness.
Manage medication systems to meet regulatory requirements and resident needs.
Support quality assurance efforts by maintaining community standards, assisting with inspections, and promoting a safe, home-like environment.