How to Become a Director of Nursing
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Director of Nursing
What does a Director of Nursing do?
The Director of Nursing develops and implements nursing policies, objectives, and initiatives. Plans and directs all nursing personnel. Being a Director of Nursing ensures that all patients receive the highest quality care. Reviews nursing department operations to ensure compliance with established standards. In addition, Director of Nursing requires a master's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to top management. The Director of Nursing manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function. Working as a Director of Nursing typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience.
The National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care has been the leading advocate and educational organization for Directors of Nursing in long-term care.
Staff work schedules, rules and procedures are often created by the nursing home director.
The Director of Nursing Services (DON) works in concert with the administrator to maintain quality standards of care in accordance with Federal, State and facility standards, guidelines and regulations.
The director will also meet with the administrator and other senior members of the staff to discuss the progress of the staff, the budget and any issues in the home.
All of the nursing staff, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and volunteers report directly to the nursing home director.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Director of Nursing
Best tips for those who want to become a Director of Nursing
Here are some tips to become a Director of Nursing.
One of the biggest hurdles new nurse managers face are unrealistic expectations from the person they report to, usually a director of nursing.
Provide a clear vision for your staff.
Surround yourself with competent staff.
For the first two weeks, new managers should spend time as a staff nurse observing and learning the unit and not spend any time in management tasks.
Provide educational opportunities to enhance staff knowledge and competency.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Director of Nursing
Best colleges and universities for Director of Nursing
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Director of Nursing
Is being a Director of Nursing Worth it?
A director of nursing reviews department policies and procedures in areas such as infection control, medication control, restraint and safety procedures.
In this role, the Director of Nursing will be outcomes driven, designing creative solutions….
The nursing director helps create a professional work environment that values nurses, treats patients with dignity and respects diversity.
Strong leadership skills and the ability to hire and fire are required of a director of nurses.
To land on the CMS list of problem facilities, a nursing home must have more issues than the average, have issues that are more serious than others and have shown a pattern of those serious issues over a long period of time.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Director of Nursing
What skills do you need to be a Director of Nursing?
This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required. It is vital to the role to command: Clinical Education, Clinical Supervision, HIPPA Compliance, Patient Care Quality Standards, JCAHO Standards Compliance, Operational Policy Development, Staff Scheduling. For this position, you need to be experienced with: Clinical Communication and Collaboration Software, Clinical Documentation Software, Electronic health records (EHR) Software, Medical Practice Management Software. Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.
Understands OSHA regulations for Nursing Facilities.
Collaborative, patient-focused Director of Nursing with 3+ years of experience managing skilled nursing facilities, coaching nursing staff to reach their full potential, and driving quality improvements.
Oversee nursing staff and overall budget for 120-bed skilled nursing facility.
Master’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university, which includes course work in nursing, education or administration, required.
Ambitious Director of Nursing with 15+ years of experience building high-performance nursing teams, driving safety and quality, and improving the patient experience.
Step 6: View average salary for Director of Nursing
How much does a Director of Nursing make?
The average salary range for a Director of Nursing is from $221,390 to $301,090. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Director of Nursing jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Director of Nursing jobs, and apply.
Looking for Director of Nursing jobs?
Here are some Director of Nursing jobs in the United States.