Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an aging society, the need for skilled Long-Term Care Directors of Nursing has never been greater.

As our population grows older, the demand for compassionate, competent professionals who can oversee and improve our long-term care facilities intensifies.

But let’s dig deeper: What’s truly expected from a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of long-term care nursing management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Long-Term Care Director of Nursing job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Duties and Responsibilities

The Long-Term Care Director of Nursing is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff and the overall quality of clinical care provided to patients in a long-term care facility.

They manage patient care, ensure adherence to set standards, and are involved in the hiring, training, and development of nursing staff.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan and organize the activities of the nursing home to ensure high quality care is provided to all patients
• Develop and implement nursing care plans
• Supervise, guide, and review work of nursing staff
• Maintain communication between healthcare teams
• Ensure nursing operations comply with laws and regulations
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate nursing staff
• Manage the nursing home’s budget
• Implement strategies for improving the quality of healthcare services
• Coordinate with medical professionals, patients, and families to design individualized care plans
• Stay current with latest nursing practices, regulatory policies, and healthcare trends
• Work towards maintaining a safe and healthy environment for patients and staff
• Address any issues or complaints regarding the nursing care

 

Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Long-Term Care Director of Nursing to join our team.

This individual will be responsible for overseeing the nursing staff, ensuring patient satisfaction, and coordinating and managing the delivery of high-quality care to our residents.

The ideal candidate has a keen understanding of geriatric care, exhibits strong leadership abilities, and has an excellent track record in managing nursing operations.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement nursing care plans for long-term care residents.
• Manage the nursing staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local standards for long-term care facilities.
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal patient care.
• Monitor patient health and update care plans as necessary.
• Implement and oversee infection control practices within the facility.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff.
• Participate in facility budgeting, planning, and quality assurance processes.
• Stay informed about advancements in long-term care and geriatric nursing.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Director of Nursing or similar role in a long-term care facility.
• Strong understanding of regulations and guidelines governing long-term care facilities.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle stress and remain calm in difficult situations.
• BS or MS degree in nursing; Registered Nurse with a valid license.
• Certification in geriatric or long-term care nursing is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Long-Term Care Director of Nursing
• Work Environment: Long-term care facility. This role may require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Facility Administrator or Executive Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Do?

A Long-Term Care Director of Nursing primarily works in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers.

Their main responsibility is to manage all aspects of the nursing department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services to all residents.

They work closely with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement comprehensive and individualized care plans for each resident.

They oversee the hiring, training, and supervision of all nursing staff, which may include Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Nursing Assistants (NAs).

They also evaluate staff performance and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and facility regulations and standards.

The Long-Term Care Director of Nursing is responsible for managing the nursing department’s budget, procuring necessary medical supplies and equipment, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date resident medical records.

They also play a crucial role in communicating with residents’ families, addressing their concerns, and ensuring they are well-informed about their loved one’s care and condition.

In some cases, they may also be involved in conducting health education sessions for residents, staff, and families, promoting health and wellness in the long-term care setting.

The Long-Term Care Director of Nursing continually evaluates the quality of care provided in the facility and implements necessary improvements to ensure resident satisfaction and adherence to best nursing practices.

 

Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Qualifications and Skills

A competent Long-Term Care Director of Nursing should have the skills and qualifications that are essential for the role, including:

• Excellent clinical knowledge and experience in long-term care nursing to oversee and improve the provision of nursing services within the facility.
• Strong leadership skills to direct and support the nursing staff, enabling them to provide top-notch care and enhance patient satisfaction.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients, their families, medical staff, and other departments within the facility.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities to handle emergencies, implement operational improvements, and resolve staff or patient issues.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate nursing protocols and standards to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Excellent organization and time management skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities while maintaining high standards of care.
• Knowledge and experience in budgeting and financial management to ensure the nursing department operates within its budget.
• Experience in staff training, development, and performance evaluation to maintain a skilled and competent nursing team.

 

Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Experience Requirements

To qualify as a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing, candidates typically require a minimum of five years of professional nursing experience, with three or more of these years being in a supervisory or managerial capacity within a long-term care facility.

Candidates should possess a robust working knowledge of long-term care operations, along with a solid understanding of healthcare regulations, laws, and standards that pertain to long-term care.

In addition to this, candidates are usually expected to have significant experience in patient care, particularly with regards to chronic illnesses and conditions that are commonly experienced by elderly patients.

This experience may be gained through roles such as a Registered Nurse, Charge Nurse, or other similar positions in a long-term care setting.

For those seeking higher-level positions, more than ten years of experience in nursing may be required, with significant experience in leadership roles.

These candidates often have a track record of success in managing a team of healthcare professionals, devising and implementing patient care plans, and ensuring regulatory compliance within a long-term care facility.

Also, experience with budgeting, staff development, and quality assurance is typically expected.

It’s important to note that all directors of nursing must have a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, and many facilities prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field.

Furthermore, all candidates must be licensed as a registered nurse in their state.

 

Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Education and Training Requirements

A Long-Term Care Director of Nursing typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, although a Master’s degree in nursing or health care administration is often preferred.

In addition to the degree, the candidate must be a registered nurse (RN) with a valid license.

This license is obtained after passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Most facilities also require the Director of Nursing to have several years of clinical nursing experience, with a significant portion of it being in a long-term care setting.

Prior supervisory or management experience is also usually required.

The Director of Nursing should also have specialized knowledge in geriatric care, chronic disease management, and end-of-life care.

They should be well versed in healthcare regulations, especially those that apply to long-term care facilities.

Certifications such as the Certified Director of Nursing Administration (CDONA) or Gerontological Nursing Certification can be beneficial.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date with changes in the field.

Continuing education is often a requirement to maintain nursing licensure and certifications.

It also ensures that the Director of Nursing is always familiar with the latest evidence-based practices in long-term care nursing.

 

Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Salary Expectations

A Long-Term Care Director of Nursing earns an average salary of $90,708 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can significantly vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, the location of the long-term care facility, and the size of the facility they oversee.

 

Long-Term Care Director of Nursing Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing need?

A Long-Term Care Director of Nursing typically needs a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field, and a Master’s degree is often preferred.

They must have a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license and sometimes a certification in gerontological nursing.

Extensive experience in nursing, particularly in long-term or geriatric care, is also crucial, with some employers requiring previous managerial or leadership experience.

 

What are the responsibilities of a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing?

A Long-Term Care Director of Nursing is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff in a long-term care facility.

Their duties include recruiting and training nursing staff, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, developing patient care procedures, and coordinating with physicians and other healthcare professionals.

They also play a crucial role in managing patient care plans and ensuring the overall quality of care provided.

 

What skills are important for a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing?

Key skills for a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing include strong leadership and managerial skills, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of long-term care needs and regulations.

They should also possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to handle stressful situations.

Knowledge in geriatric care and patient rights is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Long-Term Care Director of Nursing?

A good Long-Term Care Director of Nursing is empathetic and patient, given that they work closely with elderly patients and their families.

They are also organized, detail-oriented, and are able to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.

Effective leadership and the ability to motivate and guide a team are also crucial qualities.

Additionally, they must have a commitment to ethical practice and understand the importance of maintaining patient dignity and respect.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing?

Hiring a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required.

The role involves significant responsibility, hence finding candidates with the right mix of clinical expertise, leadership skills, and experience in long-term care can be a demanding process.

Offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on what it truly means to be a Long-Term Care Director of Nursing.

And guess what?

It’s not just about managing nursing staff and operations.

It’s about shaping the future of long-term care, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive Long-Term Care Director of Nursing job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your career forward.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precision-targeted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every role and responsibility is part of the bigger picture in healthcare.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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