Regional Director of Nursing (RDON)

Elderwood • Buffalo, NY

4d • $160,000 - $180,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Elderwood is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse to provide regional nursing leadership across its skilled nursing communities, primarily throughout Western New York. This facility-based role supports clinical operations during transitions and other periods when additional leadership is needed. Assignments may include serving as an interim Director of Nursing, onboarding a newly hired Director of Nursing, temporarily supporting another nursing leadership vacancy, or partnering with the Chief Nursing Officer on a clinical initiative. The position requires residence in the Western New York area (Buffalo/Rochester) and willingness to travel, including occasional short-term assignments in Central New York, the Adirondacks, or other Elderwood regions. Some assignments may require overnight stays; their duration and location depend on facility needs.

The Regional Director of Nursing assesses and strengthens clinical operations, supports resident care and regulatory compliance, evaluates staffing and nursing teams, and promotes quality improvement and survey readiness. The role also coaches nursing leaders, supports education and retention efforts, addresses resident and family concerns, and prepares clinical, operational, and leadership reports. The position reports to the Chief Nursing Officer and requires an active Registered Professional Nurse license in the state where each assignment is performed, at least two years of supervisory nursing experience, and leadership experience appropriate to the assigned facility.

Requirements

• Current and active Registered Professional Nurse license in the state where the assignment is performed.
• At least two years of supervisory nursing experience.
• Nursing leadership experience appropriate to the size, complexity, and responsibilities of the assigned facility.
• Ability to step into unfamiliar operations, establish priorities, and lead effectively during periods of transition.
• Strong knowledge of skilled nursing operations, resident care standards, clinical documentation, staffing, and regulatory compliance.
• High-level leadership, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to supervise nursing employees effectively and maintain high standards of care.
• Maturity, diplomacy, professional discretion, and ability to build trust across different teams and facilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Western New York and periodically provide short-term coverage in other regions.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at an intermediate or more advanced level.
• Residence in the Western New York area (Buffalo/Rochester).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or administration.
• Geriatric or long-term care nursing training.
• Previous Director of Nursing experience in a skilled nursing or residential healthcare facility.
• Experience onboarding nursing leaders, supporting facilities in transition, or leading clinical-improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide interim leadership in vacant Director of Nursing positions until a permanent replacement is hired.
• Orient, train, and support newly hired Directors of Nursing.
• Temporarily support ADON, Unit Manager, Educator, or other nursing leadership functions as operational needs require.
• Assist the Chief Nursing Officer with special projects and targeted clinical initiatives.
• Build productive relationships with facility administrators, nursing leaders, frontline employees, residents, families, providers, and consultants.
• Assess nursing operations, identify priorities, and establish practical improvement plans.
• Promote high standards of resident care and compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.
• Monitor resident assessments, care planning, clinical documentation, quality indicators, audits, and follow-up activities.
• Conduct rounds to evaluate clinical practices, unit management, resident outcomes, and employee performance.
• Support Medicare determinations, MDS processes, PRI documentation, admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Partner with Medical Directors, attending physicians, pharmacy consultants, rehabilitation providers, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate resident care.
• Address resident and family concerns promptly and respectfully.
• Protect resident rights, preferences, dignity, safety, and quality of life.
• Evaluate staffing practices and help facilities maintain effective nursing coverage.
• Coach nursing leaders on employee performance, accountability, communication, and team development.
• Support recruitment, orientation, education, performance management, and retention efforts.
• Develop or strengthen clinical training and in-service education programs.
• Interpret clinical standards, policies, and regulatory expectations for nursing employees.
• Encourage employee participation, recognize strong performance, and promote professionalism and service.
• Participate in quality assurance, quality assessment, safety, admissions, care-planning, and education committees as needed.
• Identify gaps through audits, observations, and clinical data, and ensure corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
• Support survey readiness and serve as a nursing representative in matters involving the Department of Health.
• Help facilities improve care quality, employee effectiveness, clinical systems, and resident satisfaction.
• Prepare required clinical, operational, and leadership reports for facility and corporate leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed