RN - Director of Nursing, DON - Skilled Nursing

Up to $180,000 /Annually

Director of Nursing (DON, RN) – Skilled Nursing

Lead Clinical Operations. Build Stability. Drive Outcomes.

Elderwood at Cheektowaga | Cheektowaga, NY

This Role Requires a Proven Clinical Leader.

Elderwood at Cheektowaga is seeking an experienced Director of Nursing (RN) to lead all clinical operations within our 172-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for:

• Clinical quality and outcomes
• Nursing team performance and development
• Regulatory compliance and survey readiness
• Building consistency, accountability, and culture across the nursing department

We are looking for a leader who is steady, experienced in long-term care, and confident managing complexity.

 

Why Elderwood at Cheektowaga:

• 172-bed SNF with subacute and long-term care population
• Specialized programs including Seasons® Memory Care (dementia)
• Strong rehabilitation focus (cardiac, orthopedic, post-surgical)
• Located on a continuum-of-care campus
• Supported by regional clinical leadership and corporate resources

This is a facility where scale, acuity, and opportunity intersect.

As Director of Nursing, you will lead the clinical operations of the facility and ensure the delivery of high-quality, resident-centered care.

 

Clinical Leadership & Quality

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all nursing services and clinical operations
•  Ensure delivery of safe, high-quality resident care consistent with state and federal regulations
• Promote strong clinical outcomes through quality improvement initiatives and survey readiness
• Conduct routine rounds and monitor clinical performance across all units
• Ensure accurate documentation, care planning, and interdisciplinary coordination of resident care

Team Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop nursing leadership including ADONs, nurse managers, and nursing staff
• Oversee onboarding, orientation, and ongoing clinical education programs
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to support staff success
• Collaborate with Human Resources and facility leadership on staffing, scheduling, and employee relations

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Department of Health regulations and facility policies
• Maintain oversight of infection control practices and clinical safety standards
• Lead response and preparation for regulatory surveys and audits
• Ensure resident rights are protected and care is delivered with dignity and respect

Operational Leadership

• Partner with the Administrator and interdisciplinary team to drive operational excellence
• Monitor staffing plans and support workforce stability within the nursing department
• Contribute to department budgeting, resource planning, and operational strategy
• Represent the nursing department in leadership meetings, quality committees, and care planning discussions

Resident & Family Engagement

• Address resident and family concerns regarding care in a timely and professional manner
• Foster a culture of compassionate, resident-centered care throughout the facility

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to mental or physical disability, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or any other protected Federal, State/Province or Local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.