Director of Nursing
Job Description
Director of Nursing (DON) – RN (Full-Time)
Salinas Valley Post Acute
Location: Salinas, CA
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt (Salaried)
Compensation: Starting at $150,000+ annually, based on experience
Benefits: Comprehensive Benefits Package Available
Lead Clinical Excellence at Salinas Valley Post Acute
Salinas Valley Post Acute is seeking an experienced and compassionate Director of Nursing (DON), RN to lead our nursing department and oversee the delivery of exceptional resident care. This key leadership role is responsible for managing all nursing operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, fostering staff development, and maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence.
We are looking for a dynamic nurse leader who is passionate about resident-centered care, team development, and operational success in a skilled nursing and post-acute care environment.
Position Summary
The Director of Nursing is a licensed Registered Nurse responsible for directing, planning, organizing, and evaluating all nursing services within the facility. The DON ensures quality care delivery, regulatory compliance, staffing effectiveness, and positive clinical outcomes while serving as a leader and advocate for residents, families, and staff.
Essential Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership & Resident Care
Oversee the delivery of nursing services to ensure quality resident care and safety.
Ensure residents are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion at all times.
Provide direct resident care and clinical support as needed.
Coordinate and oversee resident assessments, care planning, and MDS processes.
Participate in Quality Assurance (QA), Utilization Review, and Patient Care conferences.
Department Operations
Direct the overall management of the nursing department, including staffing and scheduling.
Develop, implement, and maintain nursing policies and procedures.
Monitor compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain awareness of regulatory changes and communicate updates to appropriate staff.
Assist with state surveys, audits, and all required follow-up activities.
Team Development & Supervision
Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and retain nursing personnel.
Conduct employee evaluations and performance reviews.
Address employee concerns and administer corrective action when necessary.
Develop and facilitate clinical in-service education and staff training programs.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.
Communication & Collaboration
Serve as a liaison between residents, families, physicians, pharmacies, and interdisciplinary teams.
Coordinate pharmacy services and oversee destruction of expired or discontinued medications.
Collaborate closely with department leaders to support exceptional resident outcomes.
Maintain strict confidentiality of resident and employee information.
Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
Assist with nursing department budgeting, staffing management, and reporting.
Monitor department performance metrics and implement improvement initiatives.
Provide testimony or support during legal proceedings when required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Director of Nursing directly supervises the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and oversees all nursing personnel, including licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants. This position is responsible for ensuring staff performance, accountability, and compliance with facility standards.
Qualifications
Current and unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
Minimum of 3 years of nursing leadership experience in a skilled nursing, post-acute, long-term care, or healthcare setting preferred.
Prior Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing experience strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of California and federal healthcare regulations, survey processes, and compliance requirements.
Experience with MDS, care planning, quality assurance, and clinical operations.
Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Why Join Salinas Valley Post Acute?
Competitive salary starting at $150,000+ annually
Comprehensive benefits package
Leadership opportunity within a growing organization
Supportive executive and interdisciplinary team
Professional growth and advancement opportunities
Ability to make a meaningful impact on resident care and clinical outcomes
Apply Today
Join Salinas Valley Post Acute and become part of a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional care and improving the lives of those we serve. If you are an experienced RN leader ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply today.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.