What Does it Take to Become a Director of Nursing?

Directors of Nursing (DON), also known as Nurse Directors, are RNs with 3+ years experience in the management of Nurses, proven success in clinical nursing, exemplary work history, and hold the necessary degrees and certifications.

Within the Senior Living industry, Directors of Nursing are essential to a wide spectrum of senior housing and senior care, including:

– Assisted Living

– Continuing Care Retirement Communities

– Home Health Care

– Memory Care

– Skilled Nursing

Directors of Nursing have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

-Supervising nursing staff

-Maintaining high standards of care

-Serve as a liaison between the nursing staff and patient’s family members

-Overseeing nursing department budgets

-Reporting to high-level staff members

-Managing patients’ data and medical records

-Interacting with doctors

-Conflict resolution

What education is required to be a Director of Nursing?

Directors of Nursing must be Registered Nurses. They need their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).  Plus, they need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing known as the NCLEX-RN. They may also need additional licensure requirements that vary by state.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Healthcare Administration  might be necessary for today’s Directors of Nursing (www.bls.gov). This additional degree is so that Directors of Nursing are fully prepared for leadership, management, and critical thinking.

Outlook for employment for Directors of Nursing:

According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, we can expect to see a 20% increase in employment from 2016-2026.  The need for Nurses and Directors of Nursing is very high and continues to climb.

What’s the salary for Directors of Nursing?

The Bureau of Labor & Statistics states that the median salary for Directors of Nursing as of May 2018, was $99,730 per year. However, salaries can be as $127,166 to $167,520 depending on location, education, certifications and number of years of service.

What other opportunities can a Director of Nursing consider?

Directors of Nursing wishing to advance their career further can earn their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Executive Nursing Administration.

Another avenue is to become a Nursing Professor.  Nursing professors are registered nurses who also hold graduate degrees (MSN). They are at the forefront of every nursing student’s education, teaching nursing in colleges, universities, and hospital-based nursing schools.

Directors of Nursing can also choose to serve as Interim Directors of Nursing. Interim assignments are usually short-term and can offer Directors of Nursing flexible and exciting opportunities in a variety of health care facilities and communities.

For more information on the leadership role of Director of Nursing and the best nursing schools in the US, check out Director of Nursing Duties Requirements and Responsibilities.

Contact MedBest if you are a Director of Nursing and looking for your next opportunity or if your facility is in need of a Director of Nursing or Interim Director of Nursing: info@www.medbest.com and 727-526-1294.

Read our Published Blog on the Nursing Shortage

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder, President & CEO of MedBest, opening the doors in 2001. Since then, Julie has gained national recognition for providing top talent solutions exclusively for the Senior Living Industry. Her specialties include filling C-Suite, Vice President, Regional, and Property level positions.

Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the Senior Living Industry.  She previously worked in operations for both Senior Housing and Senior Living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified people in health care positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

(Julie’s industry articles and interviews have been published in Provider Magazine, Argentum Quarterly, LeadingAge Magazine, Florida Health Care Association, Florida Assisted Living Association, Florida Senior Living Association, LeadingAge Florida, LeadingAge Indiana, Pennsylvania Health Care Association, Oregon Health Care Association, and Virginia Assisted Living Association.)

Contact Julie Rupenski at jrupenski@www.medbest.com / 727-526-1294.

ABOUT MEDBEST

MedBest is a national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry established in 2001.  We recruit and acquire exceptional senior care talent, permanent and interim, for all types of Senior Living Organizations and Communities across the US including Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Independent Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Contact MedBest at 727-526=1294 /info@www.medbest.com