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Director Nursing Don Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director of Nursing (DON) will join a dedicated, resident-centered care team in a supportive community setting along the Jersey Shore. This is an outstanding opportunity for a Director of Nursing ...

Director of Nursing DON

Covington, KY · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The Director of Nursing (DON) will oversee all clinical operations in our close-knit community. Prior Director of Nursing (DON) experience is needed, and prior nursing home experience is required.

$90 - $120/hr

Join our wonderful team as an Director of Nursing (DON) today! A Autumn Lake Healthcare at Crystal Springs is an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Director of Nursing (DON)! We provide our ...

Director of Nursing (DON)

Towson, MD · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Join our wonderful team as an Director of Nursing (DON) today! We are an exceptional team-oriented company hiring for Director of Nursing (DON)! We provide our staff with the resources, tools, and ...

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Director Nursing Don information

See salary details

$55.5K

$108.7K

$170.5K

How much do director nursing don jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for director nursing don in the United States is $108,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director nursing DON?

A Director of Nursing (DON) is a senior nurse leader who oversees the nursing staff and operations within a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, or long-term care center. They are responsible for ensuring high standards of patient care, managing budgets, developing policies, and maintaining compliance with regulations. DONs also play a key role in hiring, training, and evaluating nursing staff, as well as collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of nursing (DON), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Nursing (DON), you need advanced clinical expertise, leadership experience, and a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing, along with an active RN license. Familiarity with healthcare regulations, quality assurance systems, and electronic medical record (EMR) platforms is essential. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and team management abilities are critical soft skills for guiding staff and ensuring high standards of care. These competencies are vital for maintaining regulatory compliance, improving patient outcomes, and fostering an effective nursing team.

What are some common challenges a director of nursing (DON) faces when leading a nursing team, and how can they effectively address them?

A Director of Nursing often manages challenges such as staff retention, maintaining high standards of patient care, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Balancing administrative duties with direct team support can be demanding, especially during times of staffing shortages or policy changes. Successful DONs foster open communication, provide mentorship and ongoing training, and implement efficient processes to support both staff well-being and patient outcomes. Building strong relationships with interdisciplinary teams is crucial for addressing challenges collaboratively and ensuring a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Director Nursing Don and Nurse Manager?

AspectDirector Nursing DonNurse Manager
CredentialsRN license, BSN or higher, leadership experienceRN license, BSN preferred, some leadership experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive level, strategic planning, hospital or healthcare systemUnit or department oversight, staff management, clinical operations
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare organizations, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, clinics, long-term care, outpatient facilities

The main difference between a Director Nursing Don and a Nurse Manager lies in their scope of responsibilities. The Director Nursing Don typically holds a higher-level, strategic role overseeing multiple units or departments, focusing on policy, budgeting, and organizational goals. In contrast, the Nurse Manager manages daily clinical operations within a specific unit, supervising staff and ensuring quality patient care. Both roles require RN licensure and leadership skills, but the Director Nursing Don operates at an executive level with broader organizational responsibilities.

More about Director Nursing Don jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Nursing Don jobs?

Cities with the most Director Nursing Don job openings:

What states have the most Director Nursing Don jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Nursing Don jobs include:

Infographic showing various Director Nursing Don job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,675 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Director of Nursing (don) Skilled Nursing Facility

Longterm Healthcare

Westmont, IL

$100K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing Facility

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and results-driven Director of Nursing (DON) to lead our nursing department and help ensure the highest standards of care for our residents.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strong nurse leader who enjoys developing teams, improving clinical outcomes, maintaining regulatory compliance, and creating a positive culture of care.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, visible leader who can support their team, hold staff accountable, and work collaboratively with facility leadership.

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall leadership and clinical direction of the nursing department.

The DON will oversee nursing operations, staffing, clinical quality, staff development, regulatory compliance, infection prevention, care planning, and quality improvement while partnering closely with the Administrator and interdisciplinary leadership team.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide overall leadership and direction to the nursing department

  • Oversee daily nursing operations and resident care

  • Lead and support RNs, LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, and nursing leadership

  • Establish clear clinical and performance expectations

  • Monitor resident care and clinical outcomes

  • Conduct regular rounds and maintain visibility throughout the facility

  • Monitor changes in resident condition and ensure appropriate follow-up

  • Review incidents, falls, infections, wounds, hospitalizations, and other clinical events

  • Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation

  • Oversee care planning and interdisciplinary collaboration

  • Partner with MDS, therapy, dietary, social services, activities, and physicians

  • Develop, implement, and monitor nursing policies and procedures

  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations

  • Maintain ongoing survey readiness

  • Lead nursing preparation for state and federal surveys

  • Develop and implement corrective action plans when necessary

  • Monitor quality measures and clinical performance

  • Lead and participate in QAPI initiatives

  • Oversee infection prevention and control practices

  • Monitor medication management and treatment practices

  • Assist with nursing recruitment, onboarding, and retention

  • Develop and mentor nurses and nursing supervisors

  • Provide ongoing coaching, education, and performance feedback

  • Promote accountability and professional standards

  • Monitor staffing levels and work with leadership to address staffing needs

  • Oversee nursing schedules and assignments

  • Address resident and family concerns promptly and professionally

  • Promote excellent communication between nursing and other departments

  • Maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented nursing culture

  • Collaborate with the Administrator and facility leadership on strategic initiatives

  • Participate in leadership meetings and interdisciplinary meetings

  • Serve as the primary nursing leader and clinical resource for the facility

Qualifications
  • Current RN license in good standing

  • Previous Director of Nursing, ADON, or senior nursing leadership experience

  • Skilled nursing, long-term care, or post-acute experience strongly preferred

  • Strong knowledge of clinical practices and SNF regulations

  • Experience with state and federal surveys preferred

  • Strong understanding of quality improvement and regulatory compliance

  • Excellent leadership and communication skills

  • Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking abilities

  • Ability to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain nursing staff

  • Strong organizational and time-management skills

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

  • Professional, dependable, and resident-focused

Candidates With These Backgrounds Are Encouraged to Apply
  • Director of Nursing

  • DON

  • Assistant Director of Nursing

  • ADON

  • Associate Director of Nursing

  • Nursing Director

  • Nursing Supervisor

  • RN Supervisor

  • Nurse Manager

  • Clinical Nurse Manager

  • Clinical Director

  • Nursing Services Director

  • Director of Clinical Services

Experienced ADONs and strong RN leaders who are ready to take the next step into a DON position are encouraged to apply.

The Ideal DON

We are looking for a leader who leads by example and creates a culture where residents receive excellent care and staff feel supported and valued.

The successful candidate will be:

  • Visible and hands-on

  • A strong clinical leader

  • Approachable and supportive

  • Comfortable holding staff accountable

  • An excellent communicator

  • Organized and decisive

  • Proactive in identifying problems

  • Committed to staff development

  • Focused on resident outcomes

  • Dedicated to quality and compliance

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means building a nursing department that consistently delivers safe, compassionate, high-quality resident care.

The DON will be expected to strengthen clinical performance, develop nursing leaders, improve staff retention, maintain survey readiness, and create a positive and accountable nursing culture.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced DON, ADON, RN Supervisor, Nurse Manager, or SNF nurse leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to join our nursing leadership team!

Equal Opportunity Employer.