What is a responsibility of a Director of Nursing (DON) when there are 65 residents?

A Director of Nursing (DON) has a multifaceted role in healthcare settings, particularly in facilities with a significant number of residents, such as one housing 65 individuals. Among the responsibilities listed, serving as a Charge Nurse is particularly relevant to the role of the DON in ensuring the effectiveness of nursing care and maintaining quality standards.

In the context of managing a nursing team and ensuring that patient care is delivered effectively, the DON often steps in to guide the nursing staff, especially in busy environments. This involves not just administrative duties but also hands-on leadership in patient care situations. The Charge Nurse role encompasses overseeing nursing staff during shifts, making critical decisions about patient care, and directly addressing any acute issues that may arise.

In contrast, while conducting annual evaluations and overseeing patient admissions are vital responsibilities, they are typically less immediate compared to the dynamic demands faced by nursing staff during daily operations. Managing financial records may also be part of the executive duties, but it does not directly align with the clinical and operational leadership role that the DON holds in a day-to-day context, especially in response to the immediate needs of residents under their care. Therefore, the involvement of the DON in a Charge Nurse capacity emphasizes their integral role in direct patient care and staff management.