Director of Nursing Services (DNS / DON) Location: Avon, CT (Greater Hartford Area) Employment Type: Full-Time | Salary Exempt (with shared on-call responsibilities) Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) / Subacute Rehab & Long-Term Care Compensation: $130,000 – $150,000 / year (commensurate with experience) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced, hands-on, and clinically dedicated Director of Nursing Services (DNS) to lead the nursing department of a highly respected, established 120-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in the Greater Hartford area. This role provides clinical oversight, mentors nursing supervisors and floor staff, drives continuous quality improvement, and ensures strict adherence to state and federal healthcare standards. Supported by an accessible, on-site leadership team, the DNS plays a pivotal role in maintaining resident-centered care excellence and positive patient outcomes. Key Responsibilities Department Leadership & Operations Direct overall operations of the nursing department across all shifts, ensuring round-the-clock clinical standards. Lead, recruit, mentor, and evaluate unit managers, charge nurses, and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Oversee clinical staffing, master scheduling, and resource allocation to optimize resident care and operational efficiency. Maintain regular floor presence through clinical rounding to remain connected with residents, families, and direct care teams. Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance Maintain ongoing survey readiness in full compliance with Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and CMS regulations. Lead the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) committee, monitoring clinical indicators, infection control, and fall prevention protocols. Supervise documentation integrity, clinical assessments, MDS alignment, and nursing standard operating procedures. Conduct root-cause investigations for incidents or adverse events and develop prompt, effective Plans of Correction (POC). Interdisciplinary Care & Stakeholder Relations Collaborate closely with the Facility Administrator, Medical Director, Staff Development Coordinator, and Therapy leadership. Act as an advocate for residents and serve as a reliable, compassionate point of contact for family members. Cultivate a supportive, transparent, and accountability-driven working environment for all clinical staff. Required Qualifications Licensure & Certifications Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Connecticut (or active multi-state license eligible for CT reciprocity). Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification. Education & Experience Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred. 3+ years of progressive nursing experience in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), subacute rehabilitation, or geriatric long-term care setting. Minimum 1–2+ years in a nursing leadership role (e.g., DNS, DON, Assistant Director of Nursing / ADNS, or Clinical Unit Manager). In-depth knowledge of CMS regulations, CT DPH mandates, Title 18/19 guidelines, and QAPI methodologies. Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: $130,000 – $150,000 (dependent on clinical leadership background) Retirement Plans: 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with company match Health Coverage: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans Supplemental Health Options: Direct Primary Care access, including telehealth services Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package and paid holidays Support Programs: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and professional development support