Director of Nursing
Bangor, ME
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
5x8 hrs

Job Opportunity: Director of Nursing

Location: Bangor, Maine
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) plans, organizes, staffs, directs, and controls nursing services within the facility to ensure efficient, professional, and compliant care delivery. The DON holds administrative authority and accountability for nursing operations and assumes the role of administrator in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical

• Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing standards, policies, and procedures.
• Advocate for patient/resident rights and confidentiality.
• Direct nursing staff in recognizing and responding to patient care priorities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe patient care.
• Maintain nursing staff competencies and oversee medication administration protocols.
• Participate in quality improvement activities, including audits and committee meetings (e.g., Infection Control, Quality Improvement).
• Ensure compliance with universal precautions and maintain a safe therapeutic environment.

Educational

• Provide patient/resident and family education and assist staff with teaching plans.
• Participate in staff orientation and ongoing education programs.
• Serve as a resource, role model, and preceptor for nursing staff and students.
• Collaborate with nursing faculty to facilitate student affiliations.

Management

• Coordinate patient/resident care and maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Select, appoint, counsel, and evaluate nursing personnel.
• Mediate staff conflicts and ensure compliance with personnel policies.
• Authorize overtime and manage emergency nursing personnel response.
• Monitor support services and recommend improvements.
• Conduct staff meetings and manage on-call schedules, including weekends and holidays.
• Oversee narcotics and controlled substances management.
• Assist in nursing service budget planning and reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Current, active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Maine.
• Minimum of 5 years of management/leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in long-term care preferred; acute/rehabilitation experience is a plus.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, leadership, and supervisory skills.
• Ability to make independent decisions and handle difficult situations tactfully.
• Knowledge of nursing and medical practices, laws, regulations, and guidelines related to long-term care.
• Patience, tact, enthusiasm, and willingness to adopt new nursing methods.
• Ability to relate patient/resident condition information effectively.
• Must not pose a direct threat to workplace health or safety.

Additional Information

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification desired but not required.
• Traveler must reside 50+ miles from the facility.
• Facility may cancel up to three shifts during the 13-week assignment.

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Nursing
• Required Years of Experience: 5 years in management/leadership (preferred)
• Prior travel experience: Not required

This position is ideal for experienced nursing leaders with a strong background in long-term care and a commitment to quality patient care and staff development.