Director Nursing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)

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

This is an excellent opportunity for a strong nurse leader who wants to make a meaningful impact, build a high-performing team, and work alongside a supportive facility leadership team.

We are looking for a DON who is visible, hands-on, supportive, clinically strong, and committed to developing their team.

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Supportive Administrator and leadership team

• Collaborative interdisciplinary environment

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on resident outcomes

• Professional growth and advancement opportunities

• Paid time off and benefits for eligible employees

• Leadership support focused on staff development and quality care

• Opportunity to build and lead a strong nursing department

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

The DON ensures that residents receive safe, compassionate, high-quality care while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, clinical standards, and facility policies.

The DON will oversee nursing staff, clinical operations, staffing, quality improvement, infection prevention, documentation, care planning, and survey readiness.

The ideal candidate is a strong people leader who can balance clinical excellence with staff development, accountability, and operational effectiveness.

• Direct and oversee all nursing department operations

• Provide leadership to RNs, LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, and other nursing personnel

• Establish and maintain high standards of resident care

• Monitor clinical outcomes and identify opportunities for improvement

• Conduct regular clinical rounds and remain visible and accessible to residents and staff

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, assignments, and nursing coverage

• Recruit, interview, onboard, coach, and retain nursing team members

• Develop and mentor nurse leaders and nursing staff

• Establish clear expectations and promote accountability throughout the department

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

• Oversee comprehensive care planning and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Ensure accurate and timely clinical documentation

• Monitor medication management and clinical practices

• Oversee infection prevention and control programs

• Review incidents, complaints, and adverse events and ensure appropriate follow-up

• Lead and participate in QAPI and quality improvement initiatives

• Monitor nursing quality measures and clinical performance

• Prepare the nursing department for state surveys, CMS reviews, and other regulatory inspections

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

• Develop and implement nursing policies, procedures, and standards

• Coordinate with physicians, Medical Director, therapy, dietary, social services, activities, and other departments

• Communicate effectively with residents and families regarding clinical concerns

• Address resident and family concerns promptly and professionally

• Monitor employee performance and provide coaching and corrective action when appropriate

• Oversee nursing education, competency assessments, and ongoing staff training

• Maintain appropriate nursing department records and reports

• Partner with the Administrator and leadership team on facility goals and initiatives

• Serve as a clinical resource and leader for the entire facility

• Current and unrestricted RN license in the state of employment

• Previous DON or senior nursing leadership experience preferred

• Strong experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or post-acute care

• Strong knowledge of clinical practices and long-term care regulations

• Excellent leadership and communication skills

• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking abilities

• Proven 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, compassionate, and resident-focused approach

• Strong commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance

We are also interested in strong candidates with experience as:

• Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)

• Assistant Director of Nursing Services

• Nurse Manager

• Nursing Supervisor

• RN Supervisor

• Clinical Nurse Manager

• Clinical Director

• Nursing Administrator

• Unit Manager with significant leadership experience

If you're an experienced ADON or nurse leader ready to take the next step into a DON position, we encourage you to apply.

The right candidate is more than a manager—they are a leader who inspires confidence and creates a culture where nurses and CNAs want to succeed.

You should be comfortable being present on the floor, supporting your team, addressing problems directly, and partnering with other departments to improve resident outcomes.

We value a DON who:

• Leads by example

• Supports and develops staff

• Communicates clearly and respectfully

• Holds people accountable

• Responds quickly to clinical concerns

• Builds strong relationships with residents and families

• Uses data and clinical information to drive improvement

• Creates a positive and professional nursing culture

If you're an experienced nurse leader looking for an opportunity to lead a strong team, improve resident care, and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to join our leadership team as Director of Nursing.

Equal Opportunity Employer.