Director of Nursing

Job Title: Director of Nursing (DON)
 

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) oversees all clinical operations of the hospice program to ensure delivery of high-quality, patient- and family-centered care. This role provides leadership to the interdisciplinary team (IDT), ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, manages staffing and resources, and promotes the hospice philosophy within the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Directs and supervises all nursing and clinical care services for hospice patients.
• Ensures patient care is delivered in accordance with the individualized plan of care, the hospice philosophy, and professional nursing standards.
• Leads and actively participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and patient care planning.
• Provides clinical guidance and expertise in symptom management, end-of-life care, and complex cases.

Regulatory Compliance

• Maintains compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), state regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Oversees and audits clinical documentation to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
• Prepares for, participates in, and responds to state, federal, and accrediting body surveys.

Staff Management

• Recruits, hires, trains, and evaluates clinical staff, including RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and other field personnel.
• Schedules and assigns clinical staff based on patient census and acuity.
• Coaches staff to maintain high performance and addresses performance concerns promptly.
• Oversees staff education, skills competencies, and ongoing professional development.

Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI)

• Leads the QAPI program, monitoring patient care outcomes and implementing improvement initiatives.
• Analyzes trends, incident reports, and survey results to develop corrective action plans.
• Ensures continuous improvement in patient satisfaction and clinical quality metrics.

Fiscal & Resource Management

• Assists in developing and managing the clinical budget.
• Ensures appropriate use and inventory of medical supplies and equipment.
• Manages clinical staffing to balance quality care with cost efficiency.

Community & Professional Relations

• Promotes the hospice program through community outreach and professional networking.
• Builds and maintains relationships with physicians, hospitals, referral sources, and community organizations.
• Represents the organization at meetings, conferences, and events.

Qualifications

Education:

• Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; MSN or advanced certification in hospice/palliative care a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in hospice, palliative care, or a related field.
• Minimum 1–2 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a healthcare setting.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Thorough understanding of hospice philosophy, CoPs, and state regulations.
• Proficient in EMR systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with frequent travel to patient homes, facilities, and other care settings.
• On-call availability may be required.
• Exposure to various home environments and potential infectious diseases.

Core Competencies

• Leadership – Inspires, guides, and supports staff to achieve the organization’s mission.
• Accountability – Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results.
• Quality Focus – Continuously monitors and improves patient care standards.
• Compassion – Provides empathetic, respectful care to patients and families.
• Collaboration – Works effectively with internal teams and external partners.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to drive and maintain a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.

 

Thank you,

Kay Raguindin
Division Manager
Health Staffing Group
(954) 998 – 7664 (Direct Line)
Mon – Thurs 9am-6pm EST | Fridays 9am-1pm EST