Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)

Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)

Location: Galloway Twp, NJ, 08205

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) assists the Director of Nursing in overseeing the daily operations of the nursing department to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, and compassionate resident care. The ADON supports nursing staff, monitors clinical performance, ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, and promotes a positive environment focused on resident dignity, safety, and satisfaction.

The Assistant Director of Nursing serves as a clinical leader and may assume responsibility for the nursing department in the absence of the Director of Nursing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership and Resident Care

• Assist the Director of Nursing with the overall management and supervision of nursing services.
• Monitor resident care to ensure compliance with physician orders, care plans, facility policies, and established nursing standards.
• Conduct clinical rounds to assess resident conditions, identify changes in health status, and ensure appropriate interventions are implemented.
• Assist with the development, review, and implementation of individualized care plans.
• Monitor medication administration, treatment procedures, infection prevention practices, and documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Respond to clinical emergencies and assist with the investigation and resolution of resident care concerns.
• Promote resident rights, dignity, privacy, and person-centered care.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Assist with the recruitment, orientation, training, and retention of nursing personnel.
• Supervise and support Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), as applicable.
• Monitor staffing levels and assist with scheduling to maintain appropriate nursing coverage.
• Provide ongoing education, coaching, and performance feedback to nursing staff.
• Participate in performance evaluations, disciplinary processes, and corrective action plans in accordance with facility policies.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and effective communication among staff.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure nursing practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including relevant CMS and state licensing requirements.
• Assist with survey preparation, regulatory inspections, and the development of plans of correction.
• Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives.
• Monitor clinical indicators, including falls, pressure injuries, infections, medication errors, hospital transfers, and other quality measures.
• Assist with incident reporting, investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective measures.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely clinical documentation and records.
• Support infection prevention and control programs and emergency preparedness activities.

Communication and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, rehabilitation professionals, social services, dietary services, and other departments to coordinate resident care.
• Communicate effectively with residents and families regarding care needs, changes in condition, and concerns, within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care conferences, clinical meetings, and administrative planning sessions.
• Address resident and family complaints promptly and professionally, escalating concerns as appropriate.
• Promote continuity of care during admissions, transfers, discharges, and changes in resident condition.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Nursing with nursing department policies, procedures, and operational goals.
• Monitor nursing supplies, equipment, and resources to support efficient department operations.
• Review staffing patterns, overtime, and productivity to support appropriate resource utilization.
• Assist with audits, reports, clinical documentation reviews, and regulatory compliance tracking.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident, employee, and facility information.
• Assume additional nursing leadership responsibilities as delegated by the Director of Nursing or facility administrator.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state where the facility operates.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred, unless otherwise required by the facility or applicable regulations.
• Previous nursing experience in long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or a comparable clinical setting preferred.
• Prior supervisory, management, charge nurse, or nursing leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of nursing standards, resident rights, infection prevention, clinical documentation, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Current CPR/BLS certification as required by facility policy.
• Strong organizational, communication, critical-thinking, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, make sound clinical decisions, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to assist with clinical assessments and resident care as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, staff, and healthcare providers.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a healthcare facility and may require flexibility to address staffing needs, clinical emergencies, regulatory requirements, and operational demands. Occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or on-call responsibilities may be required based on facility needs.

Performance Expectations

The Assistant Director of Nursing is expected to:

• Promote safe, compassionate, and person-centered resident care.
• Maintain compliance with applicable regulations and facility policies.
• Support adequate staffing, staff competency, and professional development.
• Contribute to improved clinical outcomes and resident satisfaction.
• Demonstrate leadership, accountability, professionalism, and effective problem-solving.
• Collaborate with the Director of Nursing and interdisciplinary team to achieve facility goals.

Work Schedule, Flexibility, and On-Call Responsibilities

• Maintain a flexible work schedule based on the operational needs of the nursing department and facility.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule with the Director of Nursing and other designated nursing leadership personnel to provide clinical and administrative support outside of regular business hours.
• Be available to respond to urgent clinical concerns, staffing shortages, emergencies, and other nursing department issues as needed during assigned on-call periods.
• Provide leadership support during evenings, weekends, holidays, and other periods as required to ensure continuity of resident care and smooth facility operations.
• Assist with coverage for unexpected staffing needs, call-outs, and other operational challenges.
• Demonstrate flexibility in adjusting work hours to meet facility needs, support nursing staff, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Communicate promptly with the Director of Nursing, facility administrator, and other appropriate personnel regarding significant clinical or operational concerns arising during on-call assignments.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter to the hiring manager at the facility. Please include "Assistant Director of Nursing - Galloway Twp" in the subject line.