Interim Director of Nursing
Job Description
Stabilize Operations and Rebuild Trust in a High-Performing Skilled Nursing Community
Interim Director of Nursing – Skilled Nursing Facility (100+ Beds)
Denver, Colorado Area

A Rare Opportunity: Lead During a Critical Leadership Transition

Most interim Director of Nursing roles involve stepping into facilities struggling with occupancy, regulatory issues, or operational instability. This opportunity offers something different.

A well-established skilled nursing community in the Denver area is seeking an Interim Director of Nursing for a 90-day engagement with potential to convert into a long-term leadership position. The facility maintains strong census performance and is entering an upcoming survey window with ongoing mock survey audits already demonstrating strong readiness.

The community is looking for a leader who can stabilize operations, strengthen relationships within the nursing team, and continue building a culture of trust and accountability.

If you are an experienced Director of Nursing who thrives in transitional leadership roles and excels at rebuilding team culture while maintaining strong clinical standards, this opportunity deserves your attention.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

Strong Census and Operational Stability
This community is currently operating above its budgeted census, with 90+ residents in a 100+bed facility compared to a budgeted census of 87. The facility maintains a steady referral stream and a strong therapy-focused patient population, primarily serving orthopedic and rehabilitation residents.

Survey Readiness Already in Progress
The community is currently within a survey window and has been conducting consistent mock survey audits with positive results. The incoming Director of Nursing will continue supporting survey readiness and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Supportive Leadership Team
You will work closely with a newly appointed Nursing Home Administrator who has been in the role for approximately six to seven months. The administrator is described as highly relational, transparent, and focused on rebuilding a strong team culture.

Experienced executive leadership is also in place, providing additional support and stability during the leadership transition.

Manageable Clinical Environment
The facility does not operate high-acuity specialty programs, with the majority of residents receiving orthopedic rehabilitation and therapy-related care. This allows the Director of Nursing to focus on strong clinical processes, team development, and regulatory compliance.

Clear Opportunity for Permanent Placement
Although this role begins as a 90-day interim engagement, the organization is open to converting the right candidate into a permanent Director of Nursing position.

What You’ll Lead

Clinical Operations & Quality
Provide leadership and oversight of all skilled nursing clinical operations
Ensure high standards of resident care and regulatory compliance
Monitor quality measures, clinical outcomes, and patient safety indicators
Support strong clinical documentation and care planning processes
Lead nursing preparation and response for state surveys

Staff Leadership & Culture Development
Build trust and relationships across the nursing team
Address and eliminate cultural toxicity within the department
Promote teamwork, accountability, and transparent communication
Support mentorship and development of nursing staff
Create a positive work environment that improves retention and morale

Regulatory Compliance & Survey Management
Maintain survey readiness and ensure regulatory compliance
Address historical areas of concern including wound care management and clinical documentation
Lead preparation efforts for upcoming state survey activity
Implement systems that strengthen clinical oversight and quality outcomes

Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Work closely with therapy teams, physicians, and interdisciplinary staff
Ensure effective coordination of care for rehabilitation and orthopedic residents
Support communication with residents and families regarding care plans and outcomes

Leadership Partnership
Collaborate with the Nursing Home Administrator and Executive Director on operational strategy
Provide clear communication regarding nursing performance and operational challenges
Participate in leadership discussions that support long-term community improvement

Who the Organization Is Seeking

You Must Bring

✓ RN License – Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse license
✓ Director of Nursing Experience – Proven leadership within skilled nursing facilities
✓ Survey Readiness Knowledge – Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and survey preparation
✓ Clinical Leadership – Ability to guide nursing teams and maintain quality outcomes
✓ Cultural Leadership – Ability to rebuild trust and strengthen team dynamics

What Sets You Apart

Strong wound care knowledge and experience managing decubitus prevention programs
Experience stabilizing teams after leadership transitions
Relationship-focused leadership style that builds staff trust
Ability to mentor new administrators and collaborate closely with leadership
Experience improving culture and eliminating workplace toxicity

What This Role Demands

Immediate Leadership Presence
This role requires a Director of Nursing who can quickly assess clinical operations, build credibility with staff, and establish clear expectations for care quality and teamwork.

Relationship-Centered Leadership
The facility is looking for someone who can create a culture built on trust, respect, and transparency while addressing past leadership challenges.

Survey Readiness Expertise
The Director of Nursing must ensure the facility remains well-prepared for state surveys and maintains strong compliance with regulatory standards.

Hands-On Clinical Leadership
As the primary clinical leader, the Director of Nursing must remain engaged with the nursing team and support staff when challenges arise.

What We Offer in Return

Competitive Compensation
$118,500 – $135,200 annually depending on experience
Compensation aligns with current Denver market expectations for Director of Nursing roles

Performance Incentives
Up to 15% performance-based bonus tied to leadership metrics and operational outcomes

Short-Term Commitment with Long-Term Opportunity
Initial 90-day interim assignment
Potential opportunity to transition into permanent leadership role

Supportive Leadership Structure
Partnership with an engaged Nursing Home Administrator and Executive Director
Collaborative leadership team focused on rebuilding culture and operational excellence

The Ideal Candidate

This role is ideal for:

Experienced Directors of Nursing who excel in transitional leadership roles
Leaders who enjoy rebuilding team culture and restoring trust within nursing teams
Clinical leaders with strong regulatory knowledge and survey readiness expertise
Nursing leaders who value collaboration with administration and interdisciplinary teams

This role may not be ideal for:

Leaders who prefer highly structured corporate environments
Directors who prefer minimal staff interaction or hands-off leadership styles
Candidates uncomfortable addressing culture challenges within teams

Ready to Lead a Community Through Its Next Chapter?

This is an opportunity to step into a leadership role where your experience can stabilize operations, rebuild staff confidence, and ensure excellent resident care.

You will partner with a collaborative leadership team, support a strong census and rehabilitation-focused patient population, and help guide the nursing department through a critical leadership transition.

If you are an experienced Director of Nursing who excels in building relationships, maintaining quality standards, and leading teams through change, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.