Definitions for "Director of Nursing"
A Registered Nurse (RN) who oversees the nursing department, including nursing supervisors, Licensed Practical Nurses, nurses aides and orderlies. The Director of Nursing writes job descriptions, hires and fires the nursing staff and writes and executes procedures and policies for nursing practice.
No, not the Godfather type of DON - A DON oversees all nursing staff in a nursing home, and is responsible for formulating nursing policies and monitoring the quality of care delivered, as well as the facilities compliance with government regulations relating to nursing care.
A nurse who supervises other nurses and certified nurse technicians. In Tennessee facilities, the director of nursing (DON) must be a registered nurse unless the facility has special permission to use a licensed practical nurse.