Director of Nursing (DON)

• Location 929 W Foster Ave,Chicago, IL, ,United States
• Base Pay $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type Exempt Full-time
• Required Degree Masters
• Manage Others Yes

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 campus
• Ensure nursing practice aligns with The Admiral’s mission, vision, values, and person-centered philosophy
• Reinforce high standards of care, professionalism, accountability, and ethical practice
• Serve as a visible, accessible leader who supports and motivates staff

Staff Development and Team Leadership

• Hire, orient, and onboard licensed and unlicensed nursing personnel
• Oversee staffing assignments to promote consistency of care and continuity for residents
• Coach, mentor, and evaluate staff performance using a servant leadership approach
• Address performance issues through progressive discipline and termination when necessary
• Create 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-making
• Support whole-person wellness and quality of life for residents
• Recognize and honor each resident’s potential to live a rich and meaningful life
• Maintain 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 policies
• Develop, implement, and maintain nursing policies and procedures
• Lead survey preparation activities and serve as a primary leader during surveys
• Establish oversight systems including audits, chart reviews, and clinical rounds
• Ensure nursing documentation and medical records meet regulatory and professional standards
• Participate in organizational compliance activities and required compliance education

Quality Improvement and Best Practices

• Hold staff accountable to established clinical standards and best practices
• Facilitate campus quality improvement meetings and initiatives
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts aimed at achieving the highest outcomes
• Maintain professional growth through conferences, seminars, networking, and independent study

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Teamwork

• Foster a collaborative, resident-centered team environment
• Support decentralized teams and cross-training in blended roles
• Utilize a team-based approach to decision-making and problem-solving
• Build strong working relationships across nursing, medical staff, dining, facilities, and administration
• Collaborate regularly with the Medical Director, pharmacy consultants, and external providers

Fiscal and Administrative Oversight

• Prepare and manage the nursing department budget and monitor expenses
• Demonstrate knowledge of Medicare regulations and reimbursement processes
• Oversee purchasing of medications, supplies, and equipment
• Ensure timely and accurate billing, payroll processing, and personnel documentationEnsure timely and accurate billing, payroll processing, and personnel documentation
• Achieve organizational goals related to absenteeism, overtime, turnover, safety, and unemployment claims

Strategic Leadership and Innovation

• Actively support The Admiral’s mission, vision, values, and strategic goals
• Participate in community-wide strategic planning and long-range initiatives
• Lead culture change by advancing progressive, person-centered approaches to care
• Encourage innovation while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements

Safety and Risk Management

• Maintain a safe, efficient, and clean work environment
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and reporting requirements
• Identify and report safety hazards throughout the community

Independent Living Health Support

• Participate in decisions regarding level-of-care transitions and discharge planning
• Coordinate systems for addressing emergency needs of residential living residents
• Develop 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 regulations
• Annually 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
• Participative and effective management style
• Ability to work independently and under pressure while maintaining positive professional relationships
• Commitment to person-centered care and culture change principles

Education and Experience

• Master’s 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

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 2% match
• 401(k) matching
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Director of Nursing: 3 years (Required)
• CCRC or Nursing home setting: 3 years (Required)