The Director of Nursing Services (DNS) plays a critical leadership role in overseeing and managing the nursing operations of a non-skilled nursing home. This position is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care to residents while maintaining compliance with state, federal, and organizational standards.

The DNS provides strategic direction, develops policies and procedures, and supervises nursing staff to promote a safe, efficient, and resident-centered care environment. This role requires collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, effective communication with residents and their families, and fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and teamwork within the facility.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of geriatric care, and the ability to navigate the unique challenges of non-skilled nursing home operations. The DNS will also act as a key liaison with regulatory bodies and ensure adherence to health and safety protocols while addressing the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of residents.

Core Responsibilities

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the overall operations of the Nursing Services department, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations.
• Interprets and communicates policies and procedures to nursing staff, and monitors staff practices and implementation.
• Participates in all admission decisions.
• Participates in daily or weekly management team meetings to discuss census changes, resident changes in status, complaints or concerns.
• Evaluates work performance of all nursing personnel and implements discipline according to operational policies.
• Participate in QAPI or facility assessment activities as needed, such as carrying out duties assigned as part of a performance improvement committee
• Facilitates, serves, attends or participates in various committees of the facility as appointed.
• Ensures delivery of compassionate quality care and nursing supervision as evidenced by adequate staff coverage on the units, general cleanliness, and maintaining optimal resident functions.
• Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to identify and resolve issues and improve the quality of services.
• Oversees nursing schedules to ensure resident needs, regulatory and budget standards are met.
• Participates in the recruitment, hiring and termination of nursing personnel.
• Performs rounds to observe residents and ensure nursing needs are being met.
• Conducts observations of nursing care and supervises development of in-service education to ensure nursing staff is competent in current knowledge and skills.
• Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.
• Monitors, assists and implements the infection control program in accordance to current infection control guidelines to prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection.
• Participates in budget development for the nursing department, medical, nursing and central supplies.
• Assists in the preparation of inspection surveys, including staff in-services on survey processes, and participation in mock surveys as indicated.
• Participates in the facility’s plan of correction response to an inspection survey and implements any follow-up required for nursing allegations.
• Communicates directly with residents, medical and nursing staff, family members, department heads and members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and services and respond to and resolve complaints and concerns.
• Oversees resident incidents and concerns daily to identify any unusual occurrences and reports them promptly to the Administrator and/or state agency for appropriate action.
• Monitors for allegations of potential abuse or neglect, or misappropriation of resident property and participates in the investigative process.
• Promotes safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention procedures to prevent employee injury and illness.
• May provide direct nursing care as necessary.
• Acts in an administrative capacity in the absence of the Administrator.

Additional Responsibilities

• Treats all residents with dignity and respect. Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.
• Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures. Complies with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines.
• Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.
• Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel. Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.
• Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator. Protects residents from abuse and cooperates with all investigations.
• Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy.
• Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings. Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.
• Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to supervisor.
• Follows established infection control policies and procedures.
• As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.

Qualifications

• A Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must have, as a minimum, three (3) years of experience as a supervisor in a hospital, nursing home, or other related health care facility.
• Current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Colorado.
• Knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.
• Current CPR certification.

Email Resumes to:

Dan Salus, MBA – Senior Executive Recruiter

H&H Leadership Solutions at

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