Director of Nursing - Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

Job Summary

Reporting to the Medical Director, the Director of Nursing (DON) plays a critical leadership role in defining and refining the responsibilities of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) across both clinic and community settings. As the DON, you will balance administrative oversight with direct clinical responsibilities, collaborating with the NPs to provide efficient participant care ensuring the highest standards of patient-centered care and regulatory compliance. You will supervise and manage nursing teams, foster an environment of collaboration, and ensure that staff clearly understand their roles in participant care.

Responsibilities:

Administrative

•Supervision & Management:

• Oversee all nursing staff-RNs, LPNs, and community CNAs-including hiring, training, evaluation, and ongoing professional development.
• Ensure staff roles are clearly defined, from care plan execution to documentation standards.

•Regulatory Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, as well as PACE standards.
• Develop and implement nursing care policies and procedures in collaboration with the Medical Director.

•Budget & Resource Management:

• Manage the budget and allocate resources for the nursing function effectively.
• Maintain appropriate inventory and supplies for participant care.

•Staffing & Scheduling:

• Coordinate staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and efficient workflow in both clinic and community settings.
• Address any gaps in coverage promptly to maintain continuous, high-quality care.

•Quality Improvement:

• Participate in or lead quality improvement initiatives related to clinical care, safety, and participant satisfaction.
• Monitor nursing performance metrics and implement corrective actions when needed.

•Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., social work, rehab, pharmacy) to support integrated care plans.
• Advocate for nursing staff needs with directors, managers, hospital systems, pharmacy vendors, EMR providers, and lab services.

•Policy & Procedure Development:

• Create and revise standard operating procedures related to nursing care, infection control, and emergency preparedness.
• Keep nursing policies current with best practices, organizational changes, and regulatory updates.

Clinical

•Clinical Procedures:

• Delegate routine medical procedures (e.g., wound care, IV administration) as prescribed.
• Ensure proper documentation of all clinical activities in the EMR.

•Care Coordination:

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to develop and adjust individualized participant care plans.
• Ensure smooth transitions of care when participants require specialized services or hospitalization.

•Participant & Family Education:

• Provide health education, including medication instructions and wellness strategies, to participants and caregivers.
• Offer guidance on navigating healthcare services and resources.

•Documentation & Compliance:

• Maintain detailed, accurate medical records.
• Monitor nursing documentation organization-wide and provide feedback to ensure compliance with standards of care.

Minimum Qualifications

• Licensure: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana.
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master's degree in nursing or healthcare administration preferred.
• Experience: At least 5 years of nursing experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role. Experience working with geriatric populations or PACE programs is highly valued.

Key Competencies

•Leadership & Team Management:

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams (RNs, LPNs, CNAs) across clinic and community environments.
• Skilled in staff development, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and fostering a collaborative culture.

•Advocacy & Collaboration:

• Strong capacity to represent nursing staff needs to external partners (hospital systems, pharmacies, EMR companies).
• Excellent at interdisciplinary collaboration within the PACE environment.

•Clinical Expertise:

• Advanced knowledge of geriatric nursing practices.
• Competency in evidence-based decision-making for high-quality participant care.

•Communication:

• Exceptional verbal and written skills for interacting with participants, families, and team members.
• Ability to clearly convey expectations and roles to staff.

•Problem-Solving & Decision-Making:

• Adept at assessing complex situations, identifying potential issues, and implementing effective solutions.
• Proactive in mitigating risks and addressing challenges promptly.

•Organization & Time Management:

• Skillful in scheduling, resource allocation, and managing multiple priorities.
• Capable of adapting to changing demands in a busy healthcare setting.

•Change Management & Innovation:

• Encourages new ideas and improvements.
• Able to guide staff through evolving healthcare practices and technologies.

•Patient-Centered Approach:

• Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and a holistic view of participant needs.
• Commits to upholding ethical standards and patient rights.

•Regulatory Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of and strict adherence to healthcare regulations, including CMS, state, and local guidelines.
• Ensures the program meets compliance standards at all times.

•Interpersonal Skills & Emotional Intelligence:

• Maintains composure in high-stress situations.
• Models positivity, resilience, and respect for cultural diversity in all interactions.

•Professional Development:

• Pursues ongoing education to stay current with nursing best practices, leadership techniques, and healthcare trends.

•Technical Proficiency:

• Competent in electronic health records, remote monitoring, and relevant healthcare software.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Able to move freely in office and clinic environments.
• Activity Level: May require periodic standing or walking.