Director of Nursing

Cedarhurst of Springfield•Springfield, IL

About The Position

The Director of Nursing provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all clinical operations within a Cedarhurst Senior Living community, reporting directly to the Executive Director. The role ensures safe, high-quality, person-centered care that complies with state and federal regulations, organizational policies, and industry standards. The Director oversees the clinical team—including nurses, resident assistants, CNAs, and medication technicians—and promotes excellence, accountability, and ongoing professional development. In collaboration with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams, the Director leads individualized service planning, quality assurance, regulatory readiness, and engagement with surveyors while supporting residents’ dignity, independence, and well-being. Cedarhurst describes itself as a senior living provider focused on exceptional care and personalized services. Its stated core values include being passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. The company offers training and opportunities for personal and professional growth, including promotion from within. Eligible employees may receive medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match after one year of service, along with GROW Points, Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and other perks. The position may involve extended walking or standing and moving throughout the community and resident apartments. It may also require stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, effective communication, and interpreting written information. The employee may need to lift up to 50 pounds independently and up to 200 pounds with assistance. Infection prevention protocols and PPE are required when applicable. The role includes participation in staff activities and ongoing training and education. Offers are contingent on background checks, drug screening, required health assessments, and use of designated PPE as required by company policy and applicable law.

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 role’s physical demands, including extended walking or standing, movement throughout the community, and lifting up to 50 pounds independently and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
Ability to communicate effectively and identify and interpret written information.
Compliance with infection prevention and control protocols, including use of PPE when required.
Maintain current training and participate in ongoing education and professional learning.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Oversee resident care and services to ensure quality and 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.
Promote a safe working environment by preventing accidents, preserving equipment, and supporting 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 coordination, including timely medication delivery, accurate eMAR records, and resolution of concerns.
Complete interim documentation for 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 resident care team members.
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 residents’ well-being and ability to age comfortably in the community.
Promote residents’ physical, personal, and emotional well-being and support their return, when possible, to their maximum level of self-care and independence.
Understand and honor residents’ advance directives.
Ensure 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, or others as needed.
Create and manage the department schedule through the Attendance on Demand platform, ensuring coverage within the labor budget and compliance with platform expectations and guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.