Director of Nursing (DON)

This role provides clinical and operational leadership across the full continuum of care skilled nursing, assisted living, and residential living in a community where older adults experience freedom, growth, dignity, and self-expression. The Director of Nursing ensures exceptional, person-centered care while upholding regulatory compliance, advancing quality outcomes, and fostering a supportive and engaged nursing team.

Join the team at the #1 rated Continuing Care Retirement Community in the State of Illinois! The Admiral at the Lake is seeking a passionate, experienced nursing leader to serve as Director of Nursing. This role provides clinical and operational leadership across the full continuum of care skilled nursing, assisted living, and residential living in a community where older adults experience freedom, growth, dignity, and self-expression. The Director of Nursing ensures exceptional, person-centered care while upholding regulatory compliance, advancing quality outcomes, and fostering a supportive and engaged nursing team. Primary Responsibilities Clinical and Operational Leadership Provide overall clinical and management leadership for the nursing department across all levels of campusEnsure nursing practice aligns with The Admirals mission, vision, values, and person-centered philosophyReinforce high standards of care, professionalism, accountability, and ethical practiceServe as a visible, accessible leader who supports and motivates staff Staff Development and Team Leadership Hire, orient, and onboard licensed and unlicensed nursing personnelOversee staffing assignments to promote consistency of care and continuity for residentsCoach, mentor, and evaluate staff performance using a servant leadership approachAddress performance issues through progressive discipline and termination when necessaryCreate an environment of learning by providing education, training, and professional development opportunities Person-Centered Care and Resident Experience Promote resident choice, autonomy, and shared decision-makingSupport whole-person wellness and quality of life for residentsRecognize and honor each residents potential to live a rich and meaningful lifeMaintain strict confidentiality and uphold resident rights at all times Regulatory Compliance and Survey Readiness Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policiesDevelop, implement, and maintain nursing policies and proceduresLead survey preparation activities and serve as a primary leader during surveysEstablish oversight systems including audits, chart reviews, and clinical roundsEnsure nursing documentation and medical records meet regulatory and professional standardsParticipate in organizational compliance activities and required compliance education Quality Improvement and Best Practices Hold staff accountable to established clinical standards and best practicesFacilitate campus quality improvement meetings and initiativesLead continuous quality improvement efforts aimed at achieving the highest outcomesMaintain professional growth through conferences, seminars, networking, and independent study Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Teamwork Foster a collaborative, resident-centered team environmentSupport decentralized teams and cross-training in blended rolesUtilize a team-based approach to decision-making and problem-solvingBuild strong working relationships across nursing, medical staff, dining, facilities, and administrationCollaborate regularly with the Medical Director, pharmacy consultants, and external providers Fiscal and Administrative Oversight Prepare and manage the nursing department budget and monitor expensesDemonstrate knowledge of Medicare regulations and reimbursement processesOversee purchasing of medications, supplies, and equipmentEnsure timely and accurate billing, payroll processing, and personnel documentationAchieve organizational goals related to absenteeism, overtime, turnover, safety, and unemployment claims Strategic Leadership and Innovation Actively support The Admirals mission, vision, values, and strategic goalsParticipate in community-wide strategic planning and long-range initiativesLead culture change by advancing progressive, person-centered approaches to careEncourage innovation while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements Safety and Risk Management Maintain a safe, efficient, and clean work environmentEnsure compliance with safety procedures and reporting requirementsIdentify and report safety hazards throughout the community Independent Living Health Support Participate in decisions regarding level-of-care transitions and discharge planningCoordinate systems for addressing emergency needs of residential living residentsDevelop and maintain an on-call coverage system and participate in rotation as required Compliance and Privacy Adhere to all organizational compliance, privacy, and security policies, including HIPAA regulationsAnnually acknowledge review of required compliance standards and complete mandatory education Work Schedule and Availability Position may require on-call availability, extended hours, and the ability to move throughout a multi-level campus Preferred Experience At least one year of nursing leadership experience in a senior living, continuing care, skilled nursing, or assisted living environment preferred Competencies Participative and effective management styleAbility to work independently and under pressure while maintaining positive professional relationshipsCommitment to person-centered care and culture change principles Education and Experience Masters degree in Nursing or a related healthcare field required.Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the State of Illinois.Three to five years of Director of Nursing experience strongly preferred, with demonstrated senior-level nursing leadership responsibility. Compensation Salary range commensurate with experience Equal Employment Opportunity The Admiral at the Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: 401(k)401(k) 2% match401(k) matchingDental insuranceDisability insuranceEmployee assistance programFlexible spending accountHealth insuranceHealth savings accountLife insurancePaid time offPet insuranceProfessional development assistanceTuition reimbursementVision insurance Education: Master's (Required) Experience: Director of Nursing: 3 years (Required)CCRC or Nursing home setting: 3 years (Required) License/Certification: RN License (Required) Work Location: In person