Director of Nursing (DON) - Skilled Nursing Facility | Waterloo, NY

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Director of Nursing (DON) to lead our skilled nursing team in Waterloo, New York. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary nursing leader to drive clinical excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and create a healing environment for residents and staff in a long-term care setting. Competitive annual salary ranging from $118,250 to $137,500 based on experience.

Position Overview

The Director of Nursing is responsible for overseeing all nursing operations within our skilled nursing facility, ensuring the delivery of exceptional resident-centered care. The DON will design and implement systems for work allocation, communication, resource management, and staff development while maintaining strict compliance with New York State long-term care regulations. This leadership role requires fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement aligned with Healing Environment principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and supervise nursing management team including Nurse Managers, MDS Coordinator, and Safety Screening Associates
• Develop and implement clinical policies, procedures, and care protocols that ensure high-quality resident outcomes
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local long-term care regulations and facility standards
• Oversee staffing allocation, scheduling, and workforce development to maintain optimal care delivery
• Conduct regular quality assurance audits and implement performance improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, physicians, and department leaders to coordinate comprehensive resident care
• Participate in strategic planning and budget management for nursing services
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes staff empowerment, professional growth, and retention
• Lead critical rounding initiatives and model exceptional customer service standards
• Manage incident reporting, risk management, and infection control protocols
• Serve as liaison between residents, families, staff, and regulatory agencies

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree required
• Current New York State Registered Professional Nurse (RN) license in good standing
• Minimum of 3-5 years of nursing management or supervisory experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a Long-Term Care (LTC) or skilled nursing facility
• Demonstrated knowledge of long-term care regulations, Medicare/Medicaid requirements, and survey processes
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with proven ability to inspire and develop nursing staff
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution abilities
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and nursing documentation systems
• Experience providing care for adult and geriatric populations with understanding of their physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field
• Advanced certifications in gerontological nursing or nursing administration
• Extensive knowledge of MDS 3.0, PDPM, and quality measure outcomes
• Experience with survey preparedness and deficiency-free survey results

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join an organization deeply committed to resident-centered care, clinical excellence, and staff development
• Competitive annual salary between $118,250 and $137,500 commensurate with experience
• Opportunity to influence strategic planning and drive quality improvement initiatives
• Collaborative work environment that values Healing Environment principles
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education
• Comprehensive benefits package (typically includes health insurance, retirement plans, PTO, and more)
• Ability to mentor and develop the next generation of nursing leaders
• Work-life balance in a supportive community-focused organization

Discover Waterloo & the Finger Lakes Region

Waterloo, New York, offers an exceptional quality of life in the heart of the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. This charming community sits near the northern tip of Seneca Lake, providing residents with:

• Access to world-renowned wine trails, craft breweries, and farm-to-table dining experiences
• Four-season outdoor recreation including boating, hiking, fishing, skiing, and exploring stunning waterfalls
• Convenient proximity to Rochester, Syracuse, and Ithaca for additional cultural and entertainment options
• Rich history including the nearby Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls
• Easy access to the Corning Museum of Glass and other regional attractions
• Affordable cost of living with excellent schools and safe, welcoming neighborhoods
• Small-town charm with the amenities of larger cities within easy reach

Apply Today

If you are a passionate nursing leader ready to make a meaningful impact on resident care and staff development, we encourage you to apply for this Director of Nursing position. Join our team in Waterloo, NY, and become part of an organization that values excellence, compassion, and innovation in long-term care. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application today!

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