Nursing Leadership Development Program
About The Position
Apple Rehab Rocky Hill is seeking a Director of Nursing in Training (DNS-IT) to join its nursing leadership team. This role offers an experienced RN leader a structured 90-day pathway toward becoming Director of Nursing Services, with mentorship from experienced nursing leadership and Apple Rehab’s Corporate Clinical team. The DNS-IT progressively assumes responsibility for the facility’s clinical operations rather than taking on the full DNS role immediately. During the first 30 days, the DNS-IT learns the facility, residents, nursing team, clinical systems, staffing, regulatory history, and current clinical priorities. During days 31–60, the role takes on greater ownership of daily clinical operations, nursing leadership, staffing, quality initiatives, survey readiness, and staff accountability. During days 61–90, the DNS-IT progressively functions at the DNS level while continuing to receive mentorship and leadership guidance. Formal 30-, 60-, and 90-day development checkpoints provide feedback and assess readiness. After successful completion and demonstration of readiness to independently lead the nursing department, the DNS-IT will be eligible to transition to Director of Nursing Services. The DNS-in-Training salary is $120,000 annually. Upon successful transition to Director of Nursing Services, compensation increases to the established DNS salary range of $140,000–$145,000 annually. The position is based at Apple Rehab Rocky Hill in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
Requirements
- Current Connecticut Registered Nurse license in good standing.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, and sound clinical judgment.
- Knowledge of long-term care regulations and clinical standards.
- A visible, engaged, and accountable leadership approach, with comfort developing others.
- Readiness to grow into a Director of Nursing role and interest in receiving mentorship.
Nice To Haves
- Nursing leadership experience in skilled nursing or long-term care is strongly preferred.
- Experience as an ADNS, Nurse Manager, Unit Manager, RN Supervisor, Staff Development/Infection Prevention nurse, or in a similar nursing leadership position is encouraged.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and support to the nursing department and clinical team.
- Participate in daily clinical operations and interdisciplinary clinical meetings.
- Monitor clinical outcomes and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support nursing staffing, scheduling, retention, and staff development.
- Coach and develop nursing supervisors, licensed nurses, and CNAs.
- Participate in QAPI and ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain ongoing regulatory and survey readiness.
- Participate in incident investigations, clinical follow-up, and corrective action.
- Build strong relationships with residents, families, providers, staff, and facility leadership.
- Progressively assume the responsibilities necessary to independently lead the nursing department.
Benefits
- Structured 90-day leadership development and mentorship period.
- Progressive transition into DNS responsibilities rather than being expected to manage the entire role on day one.
- Continued support from facility leadership and Apple Rehab Corporate Clinical Services.
- DNS-in-Training salary of $120,000 annually; compensation increases to the established DNS salary range of $140,000–$145,000 annually upon successful transition to Director of Nursing Services.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
