Director of Nursing

Company: Cantata Adult Life Services
Location: Brookfield
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description:\n\nDescription: Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing Position Overview: The Director of Nursing (DON) is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing nursing operations in both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living settings. The DON ensures high-quality care, responsible for CMS quality measure outcomes, and satisfaction among team members, residents, and their families. This role includes process development, effective scheduling within budgetary constraints, and achieving positive outcomes in public health surveys.Key Responsibilities:Leadership and Management:Functions as a member of the key management teamSupporting the mission and vision of Cantata Adult Life Services through clinical and fiscal accountabilityProvide visionary and operational leadership to the nursing teams across Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units.o Role-modeling excellence in clinical practice, interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving, and interfacing with the interdisciplinary team.Recruit, train, and mentor nursing staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.Promote a positive work environment that enhances team morale, retention, and performance.Communication: Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Position Overview: The Director of Nursing (DON) is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing nursing operations in both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living settings. The DON ensures high-quality care, responsible for CMS quality measure outcomes, and satisfaction among team members, residents, and their families. This role includes process development, effective scheduling within budgetary constraints, and achieving positive outcomes in public health surveys. Key Responsibilities:Leadership and Management:Functions as a member of the key management teamSupporting the mission and vision of Cantata Adult Life Services through clinical and fiscal accountabilityProvide visionary and operational leadership to the nursing teams across Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units. o Role-modeling excellence in clinical practice, interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving, and interfacing with the interdisciplinary team.Recruit, train, and mentor nursing staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.Promote a positive work environment that enhances team morale, retention, and performance.Communication: o Developing and communicating to all staff a customer-oriented mission which includes high quality, cost-effective care.Quality Assurance and CMS/IDPH Compliance:Ensure full compliance with CMS and IDPH regulations, and guidelines.Monitor and drive quality measure outcomes, implementing corrective actions as needed to achieve and maintain high standards.Regularly review clinical data and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and to ensure the highest level of care.Develop Quality Assurance and Process Improvement plans that are inclusive of root cause analysis – monitor and measure improvement to desired outcomes o Safety: o Must address safety issues within the higher levels of living. o Participates as a Safety Committee member. o Developing, communicating, and assuring compliance with current, effective departmental safety policies and procedures. o Handling injured worker issues and documentation. o Develops and implements procedures for health screening for new employees. o Works closely with the Infection Prevention Nurse to manage the control and surveillance of infection and potential infection-related issues throughout campus.Clinical Care and Resident and Family Satisfaction: o Assuring that resident rights are respectedEnsure that residents receive personalized, compassionate care that meets their physical, emotional, and social needs.Engage with residents and their families to gather feedback, address concerns, and ensure their satisfaction with the care provided.Implement initiatives to continuously improve the resident and family experience.Directing and supporting the Restorative philosophy o Evaluating resident response to treatment plan, including medications and recommending alterations in the plan of care as needed. o Participating in the Interdisciplinary Team conferences as necessary. o Communicating directly and in a timely fashion with attending physicians, the Medical Director, and the Consultant Pharmacist.Process Development and Improvement:Lead efforts to develop, implement, and refine nursing processes, protocols, and procedures to enhance efficiency and quality of care.Utilize evidence-based practices and resident feedback to drive continuous improvement in nursing operations.Standardize processes across both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units to ensure consistency and compliance.Scheduling and Resource Management:Works collaboratively with Scheduler to develop and manage staff schedules to align with resident care needs, ensuring optimal staffing levels across all shifts.Balance scheduling needs with budgetary constraints to ensure cost-effective operations without compromising care quality.Monitor and adjust staffing levels based on census changes, acuity levels, and other operational demands.Public Health Survey Preparation and Outcomes:Lead preparations for public health surveys and inspections, ensuring all nursing operations meet or exceed regulatory standards.Address any deficiencies or areas of concern identified in surveys promptly and effectively.Implement strategies to achieve and maintain positive outcomes in public health surveys, ensuring the facility’s reputation for high-quality care.Team Development and Engagement:Encourage ongoing professional development and continuing education for all nursing staff.Provide on-going feedback for all nursing staff including evaluation of skillsCreate opportunities for team building, recognition, and professional growth to enhance staff engagement and job satisfaction.Lead initiatives to reduce turnover and enhance recruitment by fostering a positive and supportive work environment.Financial Management: o Participating in day-to-day clinical decisions, including screening for potential residents for admission.Participate in the budgeting process, ensuring nursing services are delivered within financial constraints.Monitor and manage expenses related to staffing, supplies, and equipment, seeking cost-saving opportunities without compromising care quality.Collaborate with other departments to align nursing operations with the overall financial goals of the facility. Qualifications: o Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, or similar healthcare setting. o Proven leadership experience in nursing management, preferably in a role overseeing both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units. o Strong understanding of CMS quality measures, public health survey requirements, and healthcare regulations. o Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. o Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Meeting Attendance: Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings. o Daily Stand-Up Meeting o Weekly Medicare Meeting o Monthly QAPI Meeting o Weekly Staff Meeting o Bi-Weekly Leadership Meeting o Monthly nursing team meeting o In-services and education programs Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:Ability to manage skilled care and assisted living staff.Excellent interpersonal skills.Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative.Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.Familiarity with laws, regulations, and best practices applicable to skilled nursing and assisted living care.Infectious control and prevention knowledge in a continuum care facility. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.Ability to read, write and speak English sufficient to perform job duties and to interact and communicate with residents, families, and employees. Preferred Skills: o Infection Preventionist Training – CDC or APIC o Illinois Certified Restorative Nurse o Certification in Gerontological Nursing (RN-BC), Nurse Executive (NE-BC), or related specialization. o Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and healthcare informatics. o Advanced training in quality improvement methodologies, such as Lean Six Sigma, PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act), etc. Working Conditions: This role involves regular office hours with flexibility to address urgent clinical or administrative issues. Occasional evening, weekend, or on-call availability may be required to oversee operations and respond to emergencies in both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units.o Developing and communicating to all staff a customer-oriented mission which includes high quality, cost-effective care.Quality Assurance and CMS/IDPH Compliance:Ensure full compliance with CMS and IDPH regulations, and guidelines.Monitor and drive quality measure outcomes, implementing corrective actions as needed to achieve and maintain high standards.Regularly review clinical data and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and to ensure the highest level of care.Develop Quality Assurance and Process Improvement plans that are inclusive of root cause analysis – monitor and measure improvement to desired outcomeso Safety:o Must address safety issues within the higher levels of living.o Participates as a Safety Committee member.o Developing, communicating, and assuring compliance with current, effective departmental safety policies and procedures.o Handling injured worker issues and documentation.o Develops and implements procedures for health screening for new employees.o Works closely with the Infection Prevention Nurse to manage the control and surveillance of infection and potential infection-related issues throughout campus.Clinical Care and Resident and Family Satisfaction:o Assuring that resident rights are respectedEnsure that residents receive personalized, compassionate care that meets their physical, emotional, and social needs.Engage with residents and their families to gather feedback, address concerns, and ensure their satisfaction with the care provided.Implement initiatives to continuously improve the resident and family experience.Directing and supporting the Restorative philosophyo Evaluating resident response to treatment plan, including medications and recommending alterations in the plan of care as needed.o Participating in the Interdisciplinary Team conferences as necessary.o Communicating directly and in a timely fashion with attending physicians, the Medical Director, and the Consultant Pharmacist.Process Development and Improvement:Lead efforts to develop, implement, and refine nursing processes, protocols, and procedures to enhance efficiency and quality of care.Utilize evidence-based practices and resident feedback to drive continuous improvement in nursing operations.Standardize processes across both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units to ensure consistency and compliance.Scheduling and Resource Management:Works collaboratively with Scheduler to develop and manage staff schedules to align with resident care needs, ensuring optimal staffing levels across all shifts.Balance scheduling needs with budgetary constraints to ensure cost-effective operations without compromising care quality.Monitor and adjust staffing levels based on census changes, acuity levels, and other operational demands.Public Health Survey Preparation and Outcomes:Lead preparations for public health surveys and inspections, ensuring all nursing operations meet or exceed regulatory standards.Address any deficiencies or areas of concern identified in surveys promptly and effectively.Implement strategies to achieve and maintain positive outcomes in public health surveys, ensuring the facility’s reputation for high-quality care.Team Development and Engagement:Encourage ongoing professional development and continuing education for all nursing staff.Provide on-going feedback for all nursing staff including evaluation of skillsCreate opportunities for team building, recognition, and professional growth to enhance staff engagement and job satisfaction.Lead initiatives to reduce turnover and enhance recruitment by fostering a positive and supportive work environment.Financial Management:o Participating in day-to-day clinical decisions, including screening for potential residents for admission.Participate in the budgeting process, ensuring nursing services are delivered within financial constraints.Monitor and manage expenses related to staffing, supplies, and equipment, seeking cost-saving opportunities without compromising care quality.Collaborate with other departments to align nursing operations with the overall financial goals of the facility.Qualifications:o Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) license with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, or similar healthcare setting.o Proven leadership experience in nursing management, preferably in a role overseeing both Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living units.o Strong understanding of CMS quality measures, public health survey requirements, and healthcare regulations.o Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.o Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to change, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.Meeting Attendance:Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings.o Daily Stand-Up Meetingo Weekly Medicare Meetingo Monthly QAPI Meetingo Weekly Staff Meetingo Bi-Weekly Leadership Meetingo Monthly nursing team meetingo In-services and education programsKnowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:Ability to manage skilled care and assisted living staff.Excellent interpersonal skills.Proactive and independent with the ability to take initiative.Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.Familiarity with laws, regulations, and best practices applicable to skilled nursing and assisted living care.Infectious control and prevention knowledge in a continuum care facility. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.Ability to read, write and speak English sufficient to perform job duties and to interact and communicate with residents, families, and employees.Preferred Skills:o Infection Preventionist Training – CDC or APICo Illinois Certified Restorative Nurseo Certification in Gerontological Nursing (RN-BC), Nurse Executive (NE-BC), or related specialization.o Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and healthcare informatics.o Advanced training in quality improvement methodologies, such as Lean Six

Keywords: Cantata Adult Life Services, South Bend , Director of Nursing, Healthcare , Brookfield, Indiana