Job Title: Director of Nursing (DON) Location: Kern River Transitional Care, Bakersfield, CA Salary Starting: $140,000
Position Overview: Garden City Health Care, a patient-centered short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility, is seeking a highly experienced and compassionate Director of Nursing (DON) to lead and manage all nursing services. The DON will oversee clinical operations, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and foster a culture of excellence in patient care. This is a key leadership role requiring exceptional clinical expertise, management skills, and a passion for improving patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the planning, organizing, and execution of all nursing services to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care.
Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to the nursing staff, including RNs, LVNs, and CNAs.
Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including infection control, health, and safety standards.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team to meet the specific needs of each resident.
Evaluate and improve nursing policies, procedures, and workflows to ensure best practices and regulatory compliance.
Manage the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of nursing staff, ensuring adequate staffing levels and continued professional development.
Oversee quality improvement programs and ensure the highest standards of patient care are maintained.
Serve as a liaison between nursing staff, administration, physicians, and family members, promoting effective communication and collaboration.
Monitor and manage nursing budgets, including cost control, resource allocation, and equipment maintenance.
Respond to and resolve any patient care issues, staff concerns, or family inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
Stay informed of the latest nursing practices, technologies, and regulatory changes to continuously improve the facility's care delivery.
Qualifications:
Must possess a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of California.
Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master's degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or Director of Nursing role, preferably in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or rehabilitation setting.
Strong understanding of patient care regulations, particularly in skilled nursing and rehabilitation environments.
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire nursing teams to achieve exceptional patient outcomes.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and related documentation systems.
Preferred Skills:
Certification in Nursing Administration or other related certifications.
Experience with short-term rehabilitation, patient discharge planning, and post-acute care transitions.
Knowledge of quality assurance programs, Medicare and Medicaid regulations, and clinical documentation.
Benefits:
Competitive salary of $140,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.
Health care coverage for employees and their families.
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
Retirement plan options.
Professional development and leadership training opportunities.