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 compassionateDirector 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) licensein 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.