The Growing Demand for Directors of Nursing: Are you DON Material?

If you prefer the administrative side of nursing, pursuing a Director of Nursing position may be a wise career move. As key leaders in skilled nursing centers, DONs oversee the day-to-day operations of a department in collaboration with administration  throughout the facility. Directors of Nursing make a difference every day, impacting not only patient care but also the work experience of the medical staff. While you will not spend your entire days at patients' bedsides, you will directly impact the lives of residents as you seek to uncover obstacles and find resolutions to provide top-quality patient care. 

Depending on the size and focus of the facility, the positions of Director of Nursing (DON) or Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) may go by other names. For example, in assisted living centers, the DON may be called a Wellness Director, Clinical Director, or Director of Clinical Services.

The demand for nursing directors continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical and health service managers, including Nursing Directors, can expect to see a 20% increase in employment from 2016-2026. This higher-than-average expected growth reinforces the push for additional professional nurses in recent years. 

The benefits of this critical role in the field of nursing include—

• The chance to utilize your experiences and skills in a leadership role
• The opportunity for more responsibility 
• The excitement of a new challenge
• The rewarding aspect of guiding the next generation of nurses
• The pivotal role played in improving patient care 
• Being at the forefront of emerging technology and changing healthcare policies
• The opportunity to be part of advancing the field of nursing in general and patient care specifically
• Experience that prepares you for other positions of leadership
• Multiple job openings available as the need for DONs is great
• An attractive salary
• A sense of accomplishment and fulfillment

Essential qualities needed to excel in a Director of Nursing position include—

Professionalism 

A DON must have the ability to manage frustrations and complaints from the medical staff and patients/patients' families in a professional manner that prevents the situation from interrupting the staff's ability to care for patients. Professionalism includes the ability to devote 100% of their focus to the job despite personal issues.  

Compassion

The need for compassion does not diminish even though the DON's responsibilities remove you from the patient's bedside. Compassion and empathy remain critical aspects of any nursing position. Patients, their families, and the staff will benefit from a DON who can empathize with the unique pressures and challenges faced by each side of the patient/caregiver equation.

Organization

Strong organizational skills must top the list for any nurse considering a DON position. Keeping the department running smoothly and facilitating teamwork among the staff requires a well-developed organizational structure. Those with this particular skillset have most likely been key organizers in every position they've held.

Do you have what it takes to be a successful Director of Nursing? LeaderStat continually seeks Director of Nursing candidates for both interim and permanent positions. Check out the current job listings here.