Job Description
 The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care to patients with terminal illnesses. This leadership role involves coordinating nursing services, implementing best practices, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
Qualifications
  • Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid state license.
  • Bachelor’s degree in nursing; Master’s degree in Hospice preferred.
  • Three years of management experience in a hospice or related healthcare organization.
  • Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order, compliant with state and organizational requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise and direct professional and administrative personnel.
  • Ability to market and interact tactfully with customers and the community.
  • Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order, compliant with state and organizational requirements.
  • Excellent observation, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of business management, governmental regulations, and Joint Commission standards.
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Responsibilities & Functions
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  • Patient Care Oversight:
    • Ensure the delivery of comprehensive nursing care to hospice patients in various settings, including homes, inpatient units, and facilities.
    • Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
    • Provide guidance and counseling to coordinators and clinical supervisors to continually improve all aspects of hospice care services.
  • Leadership and Management:
    • Supervise and manage nursing staff, including hiring, training, evaluations, and terminations.
    • Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment that promotes professional development.
    • Assist clinical supervisors in managing clinical teams and planning.
  • Quality Assurance:
    • Monitor nursing practices to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
    • Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and service delivery.
    • Evaluate the performance of clinical supervisors and assist them in developing skills for evaluating clinician performance.
  • Policy Development:
    • Establish and review nursing policies and procedures to reflect best practices and regulatory requirements.
    • Develop, recommend, and administer organization policies and procedures.
  • Collaboration:
    • Work closely with the Medical Director, interdisciplinary team, and community partners to coordinate patient care.
    • Serve as a liaison between nursing staff and other healthcare professionals.
    • Promote hospice referrals within the healthcare community.
  • Family Support and Education:
    • Provide guidance and support to patients’ families regarding care options and end-of-life issues.
    • Plan and implement in-service and continuing education programs to meet the training needs of organization personnel.
  • Compliance and Documentation:
    • Ensure accurate and timely documentation of nursing care and patient assessments.
    • Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding licensure and certification of organization personnel, including Joint Commission standards.
    • Oversee the maintenance of patient clinical records, statistics, and reports for evaluation and reporting of organization activities.
  • Resource Management:
    • Assist the Executive Director/Administrator in budget preparation and administration.
    • Monitor operational indicators to detect census changes that could impact staffing levels, revenues, or expenses.
    • Ensure adequate inventory of supplies and equipment for patient services.
  • Organizational Development:
    • Develop, implement, and evaluate the organization’s program for new personnel, including orientation.
    • Assist in the evaluation of organizational performance via performance improvement programs, productivity metrics, and quarterly/annual reviews.
    • Stay informed about changes in the field of nursing and hospice care and share information with appropriate personnel.
  • Acting Authority:
    • In the absence of the Executive Director/Administrator, assume the role of acting Executive Director/Administrator, vested with the authority to act on their behalf.
  • Other Duties:
    • Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director/Administrator.