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Nursing Program Director Jobs in Waterville, ME (NOW HIRING)

Director of Nursing

Waterville, ME · On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

Director of Nursing Job Summary As a director of nursing (DON) you plan, organize, develop, and ... Develop or expand and implement medical programs or health services that promote research ...

Registered Nurse

Skowhegan, ME · On-site

$33.60 - $39.20/hr

This role is responsible for delivering direct nursing care, monitoring patient conditions, and ... program Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Maine ─────

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Nursing Program Director information

See Waterville, ME salary details

$36.9K

$93.3K

$160.2K

How much do nursing program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for nursing program director in Waterville, ME is $93,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $109,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nursing program director?

Nursing Program Directors are senior administrators responsible for overseeing and managing nursing education programs at colleges, universities, or healthcare institutions. They develop curriculum, ensure compliance with accreditation standards, supervise faculty, and support student success. Nursing Program Directors also handle budgeting, staffing, and often represent their programs to external stakeholders. Their leadership is crucial to maintaining high educational standards and preparing students for nursing careers.

What are some common challenges faced by a nursing program director, and how can they be effectively managed?

Nursing Program Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative responsibilities with the need to stay engaged in curriculum development and student support. Managing faculty workloads, ensuring accreditation standards are met, and keeping up with evolving healthcare practices can also be demanding. Effective management involves strong organizational skills, clear communication with faculty and administration, and ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends. Building collaborative relationships within the institution and fostering a supportive team environment are key strategies to successfully navigate these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nursing program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nursing Program Director, you need advanced clinical knowledge, leadership experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in nursing or nursing education. Familiarity with accreditation standards, curriculum development software, and learning management systems is essential. Strong organizational, communication, and mentoring skills help foster faculty development and student success. These skills are vital for ensuring the quality and compliance of nursing programs and for guiding both faculty and students toward excellence.

What is the difference between Nursing Program Director vs Nursing Educator?

AspectNursing Program DirectorNursing Educator
CredentialsRN license, advanced degrees (e.g., MSN, DNP)RN license, often MSN or higher
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, overseeing nursing programsHospitals, colleges, or training settings, teaching students
Primary FocusProgram administration, curriculum oversight, accreditationTeaching, student assessment, clinical instruction
Employer & IndustryUniversities, colleges, nursing schoolsHospitals, colleges, vocational schools

The Nursing Program Director primarily manages nursing education programs, focusing on administration and accreditation, while the Nursing Educator concentrates on teaching and mentoring students. Both roles require nursing credentials and are vital in nursing education but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What does a nursing program director do?

A nursing program director oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education programs. They manage faculty, ensure curriculum compliance with accreditation standards, and coordinate clinical placements, often requiring a nursing license and advanced degree. Their role involves leadership, administrative duties, and ensuring students meet professional competencies.

What qualifications do you need to be a nursing program director?

A nursing program director typically needs a registered nurse (RN) license, a master's degree in nursing or a related field, and extensive experience in nursing practice and education. Leadership skills, curriculum development knowledge, and often a doctoral degree or higher are also preferred for this role.

What job categories do people searching Nursing Program Director jobs in Waterville, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Nursing Program Director jobs in Waterville, ME are:

What cities near Waterville, ME are hiring for Nursing Program Director jobs?

Cities near Waterville, ME with the most Nursing Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Nursing Program Director job openings in Waterville, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,287 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Director of Nursing

Lakewood Healthcare

Waterville, ME • On-site

$95K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Director of Nursing Job Summary

As a director of nursing (DON) you plan, organize, develop, and direct the overall operations of the Nursing Services department to ensure the highest degree of quality resident care in accordance with all laws, regulations, and Company standards.



What we are looking for in our amazing candidates:

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

  • Direct, supervise, and evaluate work activities of nursing personnel.
  • Recruit, select, hire, train, evaluate, counsel, and supervise nursing staff.
  • Coach and develop staff, engaging in the growth of your leadership team
  • Plan, develop, organize, implement, evaluate, establish benchmarks, and direct professional and non-professional staff.
  • Develop and implement organizational policies and procedures for the facility or medical unit.
  • Develop instructional materials and conduct in-service and community-based educational programs.

PROFESSIONAL

  • Maintain awareness of advances in medicine, computerized diagnostic and treatment equipment, data processing technology, government regulations, health insurance changes, and financing options.
  • Consult with medical, business, and community groups to discuss service problems, respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities and plans, and promote health programs.
  • Develop or expand and implement medical programs or health services that promote research, rehabilitation, and community health.
  • Communicate effectively with physicians, nursing staff, and other professional and non-professional staff.
  • Knowledgeable of nursing practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing nursing functions in the long-term care facility.
  • Understand and follow company policies, including harassment and complaint procedures.
  • Maintain skills in order to provide direct nursing care as necessary.

OPERATIONS

  • Conduct and administer fiscal operations, including accounting, planning budgets, authorizing expenditures, establishing rates for services, and coordinating financial reporting.
  • Plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, and procedures of the Nursing Services department.
  • Review and analyze facility activities and data to aid planning and cash and risk management and to improve service utilization.
  • Prepare activity reports to inform management of the status and implementation plans of programs, services, and quality initiatives.
  • Use of diagnostic services, inpatient beds, facilities, and staff to ensure effective use of resources and assess the need for additional staff, equipment, and services.
  • Develop and maintain computerized record management systems to store and process data such as personnel activities and information, and to produce reports.
  • Inspect facilities and recommend building or equipment modifications to ensure emergency readiness and compliance to access, safety, and sanitation regulations.
  • Work with leadership team to establish appropriate level of CNAs and LPNs per shift based upon budgeted NHPPD

Skills and abilities

  • Experience: Two to four years of related nursing and leadership experience
  • Excellent communications skills, written and verbal
  • Solid computer skills – both personal computer and electronic medical record
  • Strong leadership skills, ability to develop new strengths and skills
  • Analytical skills and abilities to turn data into action; moving your facility forward
  • Strong reasoning skills, good judgment, and critical thinking skills

Requirements:

  • Currently a registered nurse /licensed in Maine.
  • CPR Certification upon hire or obtain it during orientation. CPR certification must remain current during employment.


Benefits:

  • Tuition reimbursement 
  • Full time employees have access to full benefits; medical, dental, vision, and disability
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Flexible savings account, including medical & dependent care
  • Paid Time Off available to all employees
  • Annual Performance Bonus 

As part of a strong clinical team, providing amazing care and support to our Residents, we invest in your future and allow for the ability to grow and build a career with us.

Company Description

Lakewood Healthcare Center provides three professional levels of care and support for residents including skilled nursing, rehabilitation and nursing care services. We are committed to the care and improvement of our residents’ health.