Director of Nursing

Cantata Adult Life Services•Brookfield, IL

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About The Position

Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing Position Overview: The Director of Nursing (DON) is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing nursing operations in both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living settings. The DON ensures high-quality care, responsible for CMS quality measure outcomes, and satisfaction among team members, residents, and their families. This role includes process development, effective scheduling within budgetary constraints, and achieving positive outcomes in public health surveys.Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Position Overview: The Director of Nursing (DON) is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing nursing operations in both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living settings. The DON ensures high-quality care, responsible for CMS quality measure outcomes, and satisfaction among team members, residents, and their families. This role includes process development, effective scheduling within budgetary constraints, and achieving positive outcomes in public health surveys.

Requirements

Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, or similar healthcare setting.
Proven leadership experience in nursing management, preferably in a role overseeing both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units.
Strong understanding of CMS quality measures, public health survey requirements, and healthcare regulations.
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage skilled care and assisted living staff.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Familiarity with laws, regulations, and best practices applicable to skilled nursing and assisted living care.
Infectious control and prevention knowledge in a continuum care facility.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to read, write and speak English sufficient to perform job duties and to interact and communicate with residents, families, and employees.

Nice To Haves

Infection Preventionist Training – CDC or APIC
Illinois Certified Restorative Nurse
Certification in Gerontological Nursing (RN-BC), Nurse Executive (NE-BC), or related specialization.
Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and healthcare informatics.
Advanced training in quality improvement methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma, PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act), etc.

Responsibilities

Functions as a member of the key management team
Supporting the mission and vision of Cantata Adult Life Services through clinical and fiscal accountability
Provide visionary and operational leadership to the nursing teams across Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units.
Role-modeling excellence in clinical practice, interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving, and interfacing with the interdisciplinary team.
Recruit, train, and mentor nursing staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
Promote a positive work environment that enhances team morale, retention, and performance.
Developing and communicating to all staff a customer-oriented mission which includes high quality, cost-effective care.
Ensure full compliance with CMS and IDPH regulations, and guidelines.
Monitor and drive quality measure outcomes, implementing corrective actions as needed to achieve and maintain high standards.
Regularly review clinical data and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and to ensure the highest level of care.
Develop Quality Assurance and Process Improvement plans that are inclusive of root cause analysis – monitor and measure improvement to desired outcomes
Must address safety issues within the higher levels of living.
Participates as a Safety Committee member.
Developing, communicating, and assuring compliance with current, effective departmental safety policies and procedures.
Handling injured worker issues and documentation.
Develops and implements procedures for health screening for new employees.
Works closely with the Infection Prevention Nurse to manage the control and surveillance of infection and potential infection-related issues throughout campus.
Assuring that resident rights are respected
Ensure that residents receive personalized, compassionate care that meets their physical, emotional, and social needs.
Engage with residents and their families to gather feedback, address concerns, and ensure their satisfaction with the care provided.
Implement initiatives to continuously improve the resident and family experience.
Directing and supporting the Restorative philosophy
Evaluating resident response to treatment plan, including medications and recommending alterations in the plan of care as needed.
Participating in the Interdisciplinary Team conferences as necessary.
Communicating directly and in a timely fashion with attending physicians, the Medical Director, and the Consultant Pharmacist.
Lead efforts to develop, implement, and refine nursing processes, protocols, and procedures to enhance efficiency and quality of care.
Utilize evidence-based practices and resident feedback to drive continuous improvement in nursing operations.
Standardize processes across both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units to ensure consistency and compliance.
Works collaboratively with Scheduler to develop and manage staff schedules to align with resident care needs, ensuring optimal staffing levels across all shifts.
Balance scheduling needs with budgetary constraints to ensure cost-effective operations without compromising care quality.
Monitor and adjust staffing levels based on census changes, acuity levels, and other operational demands.
Lead preparations for public health surveys and inspections, ensuring all nursing operations meet or exceed regulatory standards.
Address any deficiencies or areas of concern identified in surveys promptly and effectively.
Implement strategies to achieve and maintain positive outcomes in public health surveys, ensuring the facility’s reputation for high-quality care.
Encourage ongoing professional development and continuing education for all nursing staff.
Provide on-going feedback for all nursing staff including evaluation of skills
Create opportunities for team building, recognition, and professional growth to enhance staff engagement and job satisfaction.
Lead initiatives to reduce turnover and enhance recruitment by fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
Participating in day-to-day clinical decisions, including screening for potential residents for admission.
Participate in the budgeting process, ensuring nursing services are delivered within financial constraints.
Monitor and manage expenses related to staffing, supplies, and equipment, seeking cost-saving opportunities without compromising care quality.
Collaborate with other departments to align nursing operations with the overall financial goals of the facility.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.