Associate Director of Nursing

The Associate Director of Nursing Services (ADNS) assists the Director of Nursing Services in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the overall clinical operations of the Nursing Department within a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). The ADNS ensures delivery of high-quality resident-centered care in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing long-term care facilities, including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements.

The ADNS serves as a clinical leader, mentor, and resource to nursing staff and supports regulatory readiness, quality improvement initiatives, infection prevention, and staff development.

· Assist in directing daily functions of nursing services to ensure quality of resident care.

· Oversee and supervise Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

· Ensure implementation of individualized care plans and physician orders.

· Conduct routine clinical rounds to evaluate resident conditions and nursing practices.

· Monitor wound care, medication administration, treatments, and documentation for accuracy and timeliness.

· Participate in admissions, re-admissions, transfers, and discharges.

· Review incident reports, investigate concerns, and implement corrective actions.

· Provide hands-on clinical support when necessary.

· Ensure compliance with federal regulations under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), state licensing requirements, and facility policies.

· Maintain survey readiness at all times.

· Assist during state surveys and federal inspections.

· Develop and monitor Plans of Correction (POC) when deficiencies are cited.

· Ensure adherence to F-Tags related to quality of care, medication management, infection control, and resident rights.

· Conduct internal audits and mock surveys.

Infection Prevention & Control

· Assist in overseeing the Infection Prevention and Control Program.

· Monitor infection surveillance, tracking, trending, and reporting.

· Ensure compliance with hand hygiene, PPE usage, isolation protocols, and transmission-based precautions.

· Participate in outbreak investigation and management.

· Provide ongoing infection control education and competency validation.

· Ensure antibiotic stewardship practices are implemented.

· Maintain required infection control logs and reports for Quality Assurance meetings and survey review.

· Participate in QAPI meetings and initiatives.

· Collect, analyze, and interpret clinical data (falls, pressure injuries, infections, hospital readmissions, etc.).

· Identify trends and implement performance improvement plans.

· Monitor compliance with care standards and best practices.

· Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to improve outcomes.

· Coordinate orientation and ongoing in-service education programs.

· Provide leadership training and clinical mentorship.

· Ensure staff are trained on regulatory updates and policy changes.

· Support professional development and continuing education efforts.

· Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing in the state of practice.

· CPR / BLS certification required.

· Infection Preventionist certification

· Knowledge of CDC CMS and state infection control standards.

· Experience

· Minimum of 3–5 years of nursing experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or long-term care setting.

· At least 1–2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.

· Demonstrated experience with regulatory surveys and CMS compliance.

· Strong knowledge of geriatric and post-acute care practices.

· Working knowledge of CMS regulations and state survey process.

· Proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

· Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

· Ability to analyze clinical data and implement quality improvements.