Director of Nursing (DON) – Skilled Nursing

Location: Kauai, HI
Job Type: Full-time Salaried/Exempt
Salary: $130,000 annually
Retention Bonus: $15,000
Relocation Assistance: $7,500

Are you an experienced Director of Nursing ready to take your leadership career to one of the most unique healthcare settings in the country?

Do you have the clinical knowledge, regulatory experience, and leadership presence to strengthen nursing operations while creating an environment where residents and staff can thrive?

This could be an exceptional opportunity for you.

About the Community

A skilled nursing community on the beautiful island of Kauai is seeking an experienced and passionate Director of Nursing to lead its clinical operations.

The community is licensed for 84 beds and currently maintains a census of approximately 45 residents, offering the incoming DON an opportunity to provide hands-on leadership while developing strong relationships with residents, staff, and the interdisciplinary team.

The facility has demonstrated a particular strength in staffing, currently holding a 4-star staffing rating, while presenting an opportunity for an accomplished clinical leader to further strengthen overall clinical performance, regulatory compliance, and quality outcomes.

About the Role

As Director of Nursing, you'll manage, direct, and coordinate the delivery of nursing and clinical care while ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.

We're looking for a DON who can combine strong clinical oversight with visible, approachable leadership. You'll have responsibility for nursing operations, resident care, regulatory readiness, staff performance, and the systems necessary to maintain consistent quality.

This is an opportunity for an experienced nursing leader to make a measurable impact while joining a community that values excellent care and strong teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for nursing and clinical services.

• Oversee resident admission, discharge, and transfer processes.

• Provide oversight of MDS assessments, care planning, and the RAI process.

• Oversee infection prevention and control processes.

• Ensure nursing services consistently meet established standards of quality and regulatory compliance.

• Review incident reports, accident and injury reports, and 24-hour nursing reports to ensure appropriate and timely follow-up.

• Oversee implementation of and compliance with resident-specific care plans.

• Conduct daily resident and regulatory compliance rounds throughout nursing units.

• Identify clinical or operational concerns and ensure corrective actions are completed.

• Support survey preparation, regulatory readiness, and plans of correction when necessary.

• Monitor resident outcomes and identify opportunities to improve quality measures.

• Coach, develop, and hold nursing staff accountable to established clinical standards.

• Collaborate closely with administration and interdisciplinary department leaders.

• Promote a resident-centered culture built around quality, accountability, and compassionate care.

You'll Be a Great Fit If You:

• Are a Registered Nurse with an active, unencumbered Hawaii RN license.

• Have at least 3 years of professional nursing experience.

• Have previous experience in geriatrics, skilled nursing, or long-term care.

• Bring nursing leadership or management experience, with Director of Nursing experience strongly preferred.

• Understand state and federal regulations governing skilled nursing facilities.

• Have experience with survey preparation and management.

• Understand MDS, care planning, RAI, infection control, and quality assurance processes.

• Are comfortable reviewing accidents and incidents and ensuring appropriate clinical follow-up.

• Can identify areas for improvement and put sustainable systems in place.

• Lead with professionalism, consistency, accountability, and compassion.

• Are comfortable being a visible leader who regularly rounds with residents and staff.

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract an experienced nursing leader:

Annual Salary: $130,000
Retention Bonus: $15,000
Relocation Assistance: $7,500

Additional benefits include:

• Incentive compensation program

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) match

• Tuition reimbursement

• Scholarship opportunities

• Professional growth and advancement opportunities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Beyond the compensation and relocation support, this position offers the chance to lead a manageable 84-bed skilled nursing community with a current census of approximately 45 residents.

You'll have an opportunity to strengthen clinical systems, improve quality outcomes, prepare the team for future surveys, and build upon the facility's existing staffing strengths.

And for a nursing leader interested in relocating, this is a unique chance to combine career advancement with the opportunity to live and work on the island of Kauai.

Ready for Your Next Leadership Role?

If you're an experienced nursing leader who understands skilled nursing operations and is ready to make a meaningful impact on residents, staff, and clinical outcomes, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today to learn more about this Director of Nursing opportunity on Kauai!

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or state law.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $130,000 per year
Work Location: In person
License/Certification: Current unencumbered Hawaii Registered Nurse license (Required)