Assistant Director of Nursing

Job Description

Job Description

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) supports the Director of Nursing (DON) in providing clinical leadership, operational oversight, and cultural stewardship for nursing services within Assisted Living and Memory Care. The ADON plays a critical, hands-on role in ensuring care is delivered with compassion, integrity, and respect for each resident's individuality-supporting not only health and safety, but purpose, dignity, connection, and joy in daily living.

Living Life Together, the ADON serves as a visible leader and partner to both residents and team members-bridging clinical excellence with meaningful daily experiences. Through coaching, collaboration, and engagement, the ADON ensures care teams deliver services that honor each resident's preferences, routines, and life story while fostering a supportive, accountable, and purpose-driven work environment.

The ADON is both a clinical resource and culture champion-helping translate standards into practice, tasks into relationships, and care into connection.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Clinical Leadership & Whole-Person Care:

• Support oversight of daily nursing operations to ensure safe, ethical, and high-quality care.
• Conduct and support resident assessments, service plan development, updates, and care conferences
in accordance with regulations.
• Monitor and support medication administration processes, including inventory management, new medication checks, and communication of physician orders.
• Observe residents for changes in condition and ensure appropriate documentation, communication,
and follow-up with physicians, families, and the DON.
• Obtain, administer, and document medications and treatments in accordance with nursing standards
and community policies.
• Ensure resident records, documentation, and files are accurate, current, and compliant.
• Take and monitor vital signs and other clinical indicators to support proactive care.
• Integrate physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being into all care practices.
• Reinforce person-centered care approaches that honor resident choice, dignity, and independence.
• Support implementation of memory care best practices that preserve dignity and promote meaningful
engagement.

Resident Experience & Purposeful Living:

• Partner with DON, Life Enrichment, Culinary, and Operations teams to support a vibrant, engaging
community.
• Reinforce that care extends beyond tasks to meaningful connection, presence, and engagement.
• Encourage staff participation in activities, dining experiences, and daily routines that foster connection.
• Support residents in maintaining independence, choice, and personalized daily rhythms.
• Promote dining as an important component of wellness, dignity, and enjoyment.
• Foster moments of joy, curiosity, and connection in everyday interactions.
• Help create an environment where residents feel known, valued, and truly at home.
• Reinforce that excellent clinical care and exceptional resident experience are inseparable.

Team Leadership & Culture Building:

• Support care staff with scheduling, coaching, training, and daily supervision.
• Promote a positive, collaborative work environment focused on teamwork, accountability, and mutual
respect.
• Serve as a visible, approachable leader supporting team members across shifts.
• Assist with onboarding, education, and competency development for Caregivers and Medication Aides.
• Provide hands-on support in care delivery and training when needed.
• Assist with shift coverage as needed to ensure continuity of care.
• Communicate key updates through staff communication tools and daily interactions.
• Encourage engagement, recognition, and professional development among team members.
• Support performance management in collaboration with the DON.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management:

• Support compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing Assisted Living and Memory Care.
• Assist with survey readiness, audits, and participation in state licensure surveys.
• Ensure incident reports are completed accurately and in a timely manner, with appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident and staff information.
• Monitor documentation practices and compliance with community policies.
• Promote ethical practice, accountability, and risk awareness.

Family & Community Partnership:

• Serve as a clinical liaison for residents, families, physicians, and care partners.
• Communicate changes in resident condition, medications, or care needs clearly and compassionately.
• Schedule and participate in care conferences, ensuring families feel informed and supported.
• Build trust through consistent, transparent, and empathetic communication.
• Recognize families as partners in honoring residents' life stories and preferences.

Operational & Strategic Support:

• Partner with the DON to support daily operations, staffing, and care delivery.
• Assist with scheduling, staffing coordination, and on-call responsibilities; provide on-call backup support as assigned.
• Prepare medical documentation for appointments and coordinate care needs.
• Support quality initiatives, process improvements, and compliance tracking.
• Ensure effective communication across shifts and departments.
• Step into leadership responsibilities in the absence of the DON.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must submit to a TB test in accordance with state regulations.
• Must pass a background check as a condition of employment.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays.
• Must participate in on-call rotation and respond to urgent care needs.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in a nursing leadership or supervisory role in Assisted Living or Long-Term Care.
• Active and unencumbered LPN or RN license.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a healthcare setting.
• Experience working with memory care residents strongly preferred.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Person-centered and whole-person care approach.
• Ability to balance clinical responsibilities with resident experience and engagement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Emotional intelligence and leadership presence.
• Organizational and multitasking ability.
• Ethical judgment and discretion.
• Commitment to mission-driven culture and team collaboration.

HME Care is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Applicants who would like to request reasonable accommodation to the application or interview process should call the Director of Human Resources at 1-605-736-1974 or email hrdept@hmecompanies.net.