Director of Nursing

Cedarhurst of Owensboro•Owensboro, KY

About The Position

The Director of Nursing provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all clinical operations within the community, reporting directly to the Executive Director. The role ensures residents receive safe, high-quality, person-centered care in accordance with state and federal regulations, organizational policies, and industry standards. The Director of Nursing oversees the clinical team—including nurses, resident assistants, CNAs, and medication technicians—and fosters excellence, accountability, and ongoing professional development. Working with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams, the Director leads the creation and implementation of individualized service plans, compliance and quality-assurance efforts, and regulatory readiness, including direct engagement with surveyors. The role combines operational oversight with compassionate clinical leadership to support residents’ dignity, independence, and well-being while advancing the community’s mission and goals. The position requires graduation from an accredited nursing school and a current, active state LPN or RN license. Three or more years of nursing experience, CPR or BLS certification, knowledge of person-directed senior care (including dementia care), and experience in a similar role are preferred. The position involves moving throughout the community and may require extended walking or standing, occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, or balancing, and lifting up to 50 pounds independently or 200 pounds with assistance. Infection-control protocols, including PPE use when necessary, must be followed. Offers are contingent on a background check and drug screening, required health assessments, and other stated employment conditions.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
Current, active state license as an LPN or RN.
Knowledge of and experience conducting preadmission assessments and providing training and education to staff, residents, and family members.
Proficiency with common digital tools and applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, web-based platforms, electronic health record systems, and applicable HR systems.
Ability to meet the position’s stated physical demands, including moving throughout the community and lifting up to 50 pounds independently or 200 pounds with assistance.
Follow infection-prevention and control protocols, including use of PPE when necessary.
Complete required background check, drug screening, and health assessments, including TB testing or physical evaluations as applicable.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of nursing experience.
CPR or BLS certification.
Working knowledge of best person-directed care practices for seniors, including people with dementia.
Experience in a similar role, preferably in a senior living community or healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Oversee resident care and services in compliance with regulations for care plans and resident assessments.
Develop and implement nursing-service objectives, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational goals and federal and state regulations.
Help maintain a safe working environment by preventing accidents, preserving equipment, and promoting safe work practices.
Provide nursing coverage and assistance when needed.
Assess current and prospective residents for appropriate levels of care in a timely manner.
Manage and coordinate nursing and care staff, communicating relevant resident health and safety information.
Supervise and monitor medications for residents who self-administer, when applicable.
Oversee pharmacy and community relationships, ensure timely medication delivery and accurate eMAR records, and address concerns promptly.
Maintain interim documentation in resident files and attend scheduled interdisciplinary resident-care meetings.
Oversee the clinical department, including resident assistants, certified nursing assistants, and medication technicians.
Interview, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and retain a high-performing resident-care team.
Conduct service-plan meetings with residents and families.
Communicate directly with surveyors during IDPH surveys and assist with plans of correction.
Implement and maintain individualized service plans in accordance with state regulations and Cedarhurst policies.
Implement and maintain infection-control policies and procedures.
Ensure community compliance with CLIA waiver requirements.
Manage inventory and order nursing-care supplies as needed.
Understand the responsibilities of clinical roles and demonstrate the ability to perform them effectively.
Support efforts to increase occupancy while prioritizing resident well-being and aging comfortably within the community.
Promote residents’ physical, personal, and emotional well-being and support their maximum possible self-care and independence.
Understand residents’ advance directives and follow their wishes.
Ensure community staff communicate effectively with residents’ families about residents’ physical, personal, and emotional well-being.
Collaborate with others, take direction from management, take initiative, and address conflicts involving residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
Create and manage the department schedule using Attendance on Demand to ensure coverage within the labor budget and adherence to platform expectations and guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.