Director of Nursing

Cedarhurst of OFallon•O'Fallon, IL

20h

About The Position

The Director of Nursing reports directly to the Executive Director and provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of all clinical operations within the community. 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 oversees the clinical team—including nurses, resident assistants, CNAs, and medication technicians—while fostering 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 direct engagement with surveyors. The position balances operational oversight with compassionate clinical leadership to support resident dignity, independence, and well-being. The role may involve walking or standing for extended periods and moving throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas. Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, or balancing may be required. The employee must communicate effectively and interpret written information, and may need to lift up to 50 pounds independently or up to 200 pounds with assistance. Infection prevention protocols, including PPE use when necessary, must be followed. The Director participates in staff activities that support teamwork and morale and keeps current with required training and continuing education.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
Current, active state license as an LPN or RN.
Knowledgeable about and experienced in 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Oversee resident care and services in compliance with regulations concerning 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 maintaining safe work practices.
Provide nursing coverage and assistance when needed.
Assess current and prospective residents promptly to determine appropriate levels of care.
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 the pharmacy and community relationship, ensure timely medication delivery and accurate eMAR records, and address concerns in real time.
Complete interim documentation for resident files as required 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.
Hold service plan meetings with residents and families to discuss service plans.
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 the community remains compliant with CLIA waiver requirements.
Manage inventory and order nursing care supplies as needed.
Understand the responsibilities of clinical roles and demonstrate the ability to carry them out effectively.
Support efforts to increase occupancy while prioritizing resident well-being and aging comfortably in the community.
Promote residents’ physical, personal, and emotional well-being and support their return to their maximum level of self-care and independence when possible.
Understand residents’ advance directives and follow their wishes.
Ensure community staff communicate effectively with residents’ families about residents’ physical, personal, and emotional well-being.
Work collaboratively, take direction from management, and use initiative to support conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed.
Create and manage the department schedule through Attendance on Demand to ensure coverage within the labor budget and meet platform expectations and guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.