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If you’ve Googled “Director of Nursing job description,” you’ve probably come across dozens of posts that look the same:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. No personality. No real insight.
The problem?
Those kinds of posts don’t actually help you hire a great Director of Nursing—they just give you generic content that could apply to any healthcare facility.
But if you’re trying to attract someone who can truly lead your nursing team, elevate patient care, and build a strong clinical culture… you’ll need more than a list of tasks and credentials.
You need a job post that speaks to their purpose.
Something that shows what kind of team they’d be walking into. What values you stand for. Why their leadership will matter.
In this guide, you’ll not only get a practical job description template—you’ll learn how to write a post that actually inspires the right candidates to apply.
Before we dive in, we recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . It explains why most job descriptions fail to attract top talent—and how you can avoid the same mistakes.
Now, let’s talk about what a Director of Nursing really does—and how to write a job post that reflects the impact they’ll make.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
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What the Director of Nursing Role Actually Is
A Director of Nursing (DON) is the person who leads your entire nursing department.
They’re not just managing shifts and reviewing policies—they’re setting the tone for care standards, mentoring nursing staff, solving high-stakes problems, and making sure patients get the best care possible.
They bridge the gap between clinical work and leadership. That means balancing compassion with compliance, empathy with efficiency, and big-picture strategy with day-to-day operations.
A great Director of Nursing knows how to:
- Lead with empathy
- Make data-informed decisions
- Support their team through tough moments
- And ensure the nursing staff is aligned, empowered, and delivering consistent, high-quality care
In short, they’re the heartbeat of your clinical leadership team.
That’s why hiring the right person isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about finding someone who can inspire trust, lead under pressure, and uphold your facility’s standards with integrity.
Two Great Director of Nursing Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Job Description Template 1: Experienced Director of Nursing
📌 Job Title: Director of Nursing – Lead Clinical Excellence at Willow Creek Care Center
📍 Location: Tulsa, OK | 🕒 Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $92,000–$115,000 (Based on Experience)
📅 Schedule: Monday–Friday | Occasional weekends or on-call as needed
🎥 Watch This First: Meet Our Leadership Team
Hear directly from our CEO and Clinical Director about what it’s like to work at Willow Creek:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏥 Who We Are
Willow Creek Care Center is a 128-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For over 20 years, we’ve been committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care to our residents—many of whom require long-term care, memory care, or post-acute rehabilitation.
What sets us apart is our people. From nursing to housekeeping, we work as one team with one mission: helping every resident feel respected, supported, and safe. Our leadership culture emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and a deep commitment to clinical excellence.
We’re looking for an experienced Director of Nursing to join our leadership team and help us continue raising the bar in long-term care.
👩⚕️ What You’ll Be Doing
As Director of Nursing, you will:
- Lead and manage all clinical operations across the nursing department
- Oversee patient care delivery, quality metrics, and charting compliance
- Recruit, train, and support a team of over 80 nursing staff
- Partner with department heads and physicians to maintain exceptional outcomes
- Develop and enforce facility-wide clinical protocols and safety policies
- Serve as a leader during audits, inspections, and surveys
- Support team morale and coach staff during high-pressure situations
✅ What We’re Looking For
- RN license in Oklahoma
- BSN required; MSN preferred
- 5+ years of nursing experience, including 2+ years in a leadership or DON role
- Solid grasp of long-term care regulations and nursing standards of practice
- Calm, collaborative leadership style with high emotional intelligence
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is your opportunity to lead a department where your decisions make a real difference.
At Willow Creek, we don’t micromanage—we support. You’ll have the autonomy to lead while working alongside a supportive executive team. If you want to mentor others, grow professionally, and leave a lasting mark on a care-driven organization, this is where it starts.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage (eligible after 30 days)
- 401(k) with company match
- PTO starting at 2 weeks, with annual increase
- Tuition reimbursement program for continuing education
- Monthly leadership development workshops
- Access to free wellness and counseling resources
- Holiday pay, bereavement leave, and employee recognition awards
✉️ How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on strengths, not just résumés.
Click the link below to complete your short, structured evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
✅ Job Description Template 2: Entry-Level / Promotable Director of Nursing
📌 Job Title: Aspiring Director of Nursing – Grow into Leadership at Willow Creek Care Center
📍 Location: Tulsa, OK | 🕒 Full-Time | 💰 Salary: $76,000–$90,000 (Based on Experience)
📅 Schedule: Monday–Friday | Weekend or holiday coverage as needed
🎥 Hear From Our Nursing Director
Watch this short video to learn how we support nurses transitioning into leadership roles at Willow Creek:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏥 Who We Are
Willow Creek Care Center is a trusted long-term care and rehab facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Our team provides round-the-clock care to residents with complex health needs, but we never lose sight of the human element—treating every patient with dignity and compassion.
We believe some of the best leaders are already working in our ranks. That’s why we’re hiring a motivated RN ready to step into a clinical leadership path. You don’t need previous Director experience—just strong clinical instincts, team-first leadership, and a hunger to grow.
👣 What You’ll Be Doing (with Mentorship)
In this development-focused role, you’ll:
- Shadow and support our current DON on department-wide initiatives
- Assist with audits, chart reviews, infection control, and staff scheduling
- Provide mentorship and coverage support for unit nurses
- Participate in leadership meetings and planning sessions
- Help implement care plans and troubleshoot operational bottlenecks
- Gain hands-on experience managing compliance and staff development
✅ What We’re Looking For
- Active Oklahoma RN license
- BSN preferred (or in progress)
- 2–3+ years of experience in skilled nursing or rehab settings
- Leadership potential and the ability to coach peers
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- A strong work ethic and a values-aligned mindset
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’ve ever thought, “I could lead this team one day,” this is your chance to prove it.
At Willow Creek, we invest in our people. You’ll receive structured mentorship, leadership training, and the chance to gradually grow into a full DON role—with guidance, not pressure.
You won’t be thrown into the deep end. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Paid mentorship & professional development track
- Full health, dental, and vision insurance
- PTO accrual starting at 2 weeks
- Continuing education support + preceptor training
- Paid holidays and birthday leave
- Monthly nurse appreciation bonuses
- Free on-site parking and discounted meals
✉️ How to Apply
We take every application seriously, and we use WorkScreen to give each candidate a fair chance—no guesswork, no résumé filters.
Apply now using the link below:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Breakdown of Why These Director of Nursing Job Descriptions Actually Work
Let’s break down what makes both versions of the Director of Nursing job description effective—not just informative.
✅ 1. The Job Title Is Clear and Specific
Instead of just saying “Director of Nursing,” the title includes:
- The location (Tulsa, OK)
- The employer (Willow Creek Care Center)
- And a hook like “Lead Clinical Excellence” or “Grow into Leadership”
This helps the right candidates instantly understand if it’s relevant and appealing—and makes the post easier to find in search results.
✅ 2. The Video Element Adds Trust and Personality
Adding a Loom or YouTube video makes the post stand out. Why? Because candidates want to know who they’ll work for—and what kind of leadership culture they’re stepping into.
A quick intro from the DON or CEO humanizes the role and gives your company an edge over faceless listings.
✅ 3. The “Who We Are” Section Builds Real Connection
It doesn’t just say “We’re a healthcare facility.” It introduces:
- What the organization stands for
- What kind of patients they serve
- And what the team culture is like
This helps high-quality applicants emotionally connect with the mission—and filter themselves in or out.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Are Purpose-Driven
It’s not just a to-do list.
Each task is framed in a way that connects back to impact:
- “Coach staff” → shows leadership
- “Lead clinical operations” → shows ownership
- “Support team morale” → shows emotional intelligence
This helps candidates visualize the role, not just read about it.
✅ 5. The Two Versions Expand the Talent Pool
By offering:
- A version for experienced leaders
- And one for RNs with leadership potential
…you invite both seasoned professionals and high-potential nurses who are often overlooked by rigid job posts.
It also sends a message: “We hire for talent, not just titles.”
✅ 6. Perks and Benefits Are Listed Separately
Instead of lumping them in, the perks have their own section—which:
- Increases visibility
- Helps with transparency
- And signals that employee experience actually matters at your facility
Modern candidates expect this level of clarity.
✅ 7. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Sells the Job
This is your pitch—and both versions do it well:
- The experienced version speaks to autonomy and high-level impact
- The promotable version highlights mentorship, growth, and training
You’re not just filling a role—you’re offering an opportunity.
✅ 8. The Application Process Is Respectful
You mention that:
- Every application is reviewed
- Candidates are evaluated based on strengths (not just résumés)
- And you’re using WorkScreen to streamline the process
This reassures candidates that they won’t be ghosted—and builds trust right from the start.
Example of a Bad Director of Nursing Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Director of Nursing
Company: Confidential Healthcare Facility
Location: Oklahoma
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Not disclosed
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Director of Nursing to oversee our nursing operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for supervising nursing staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining quality standards. Must be able to work independently and under pressure.
Responsibilities
- Manage nursing department operations
- Ensure compliance with local and federal regulations
- Train and supervise nurses
- Maintain documentation and oversee audits
Requirements
- RN license
- Minimum 3 years of experience
- Strong leadership and communication skills
How to Apply
Submit your CV and cover letter to hr@confidential.org. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
🧨 Why This Job Post Falls Flat
Let’s break down what went wrong here:
❌ 1. The Job Title Is Generic and Vague
Just “Director of Nursing”—no mention of setting, focus area, or why the role matters. It’s forgettable and hard to find in search results.
❌ 2. The Employer Is Anonymous
Candidates are far less likely to apply to a job from a “Confidential Healthcare Facility.” It signals a lack of transparency and creates immediate distrust.
❌ 3. No Salary Transparency
Leaving out salary details is outdated and frustrating for applicants. It wastes time for both sides and implies the offer might be weak.
❌ 4. The Introduction Has No Personality
“Seeking an experienced DON…” is the kind of line that could’ve been copy-pasted from any hospital in the country. There’s no story, mission, or purpose.
❌ 5. Responsibilities Are Dry and Broad
These could apply to almost any clinical leadership job. They don’t describe what kind of team or facility this is, what the goals are, or what success looks like.
❌ 6. The Requirements Are Bare Minimum
Only three bullet points, and all of them are obvious. There’s no mention of desirable experience (e.g., long-term care, compliance leadership, or crisis management).
❌ 7. The Application Process Feels Dismissive
“Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted” makes the process sound cold and one-sided. It leaves applicants wondering if their effort will even be seen.
❌ 8. No Culture, No Perks, No People
There’s zero mention of company values, the team environment, growth opportunities, or benefits. It reads like a checklist for compliance, not an invitation to join a mission.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out
Once your job description covers the essentials, these bonus elements can make it exceptional—attracting better applicants and setting a strong first impression of your company.
✅ Tip 1: Add a Candidate Security & Privacy Notice
In a time of job scams and phishing attempts, a simple security notice builds trust.
Example:
🔐 “We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.”
It’s a small addition that makes candidates feel safer applying—especially for roles posted on public job boards.
✅ Tip 2: Include Leave Days or Flex Time
Candidates want to know they’ll be able to recharge—not burn out.
Even if your PTO policy isn’t unusually generous, mentioning it directly shows care for work-life balance.
Example:
🌴 “Enjoy up to 2 weeks of PTO your first year, plus additional personal days and paid holidays.”
Bonus: If you offer flexible scheduling or weekend rotation support, highlight that too.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training and Growth Opportunities
Especially for leadership-track or entry-level candidates, this is a huge differentiator.
Example:
🎓 “We offer tuition reimbursement, mentorship from senior leaders, and monthly workshops to help you grow into your next role.”
It shows you invest in people—not just expect performance from them.
✅ Tip 4: Add a Video From a Real Human
A Loom video from your CEO, Director of Nursing, or HR Lead is an easy win.
Why it works:
- It builds instant trust
- It gives candidates a glimpse of your leadership tone and culture
- It humanizes your brand and helps you stand out in a sea of text-only job posts
Even a casual “walk and talk” video recorded on a phone is better than nothing.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ Tip 5: Use a Warm, Human Tone
Even in healthcare leadership roles, warmth matters.
Avoid:
- “The incumbent shall be responsible for…”
- “Candidates must demonstrate aptitude for…”
Instead, try:
- “You’ll lead a team of 80+ nurses who look to you for clarity and support.”
- “This is your opportunity to shape the culture of care from the inside out.”
Write like a person, not a policy manual.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
AI tools are everywhere—and yes, they can help you write job descriptions faster. But if you rely on them blindly, you’ll end up with something that sounds like every other bland post out there.
Here’s the truth:
🛑 AI-generated content is only as good as the input you give it.
If you feed it nothing, you’ll get nothing worth reading.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
Don’t just type:
“Write a job post for a Director of Nursing.”
You’ll get a robotic wall of text with:
- Overused phrases (“Must be a team player”)
- No cultural context
- No real voice or personality
- And zero details about your facility
That kind of post won’t attract great candidates—it’ll attract people applying to anything.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Use AI like a writing assistant—not a replacement for your brain.
Give it real ingredients, like:
- What your company actually does
- The tone you want to use (e.g., friendly, mission-driven, clear)
- What kind of team this person will lead
- Why the role matters
- What your ideal candidate looks like (skills, mindset, values)
- What perks or benefits you offer
- A rough list of responsibilities or goals
- A Loom link if you have one
Then prompt it like this:
“Help me write a job description for our facility, Willow Creek Care Center. We’re hiring a Director of Nursing to lead our clinical team of 80+ nurses. Our culture is supportive, patient-centered, and focused on long-term care excellence. We want the tone to be warm but professional, and we want to highlight our PTO, mentorship, and leadership training. Here are a few raw notes I’ve written [paste notes here]…”
Feed that into your AI tool—and then edit the output like a human. Shape it. Inject real voice. Remove fluff. Polish.
Final Word on AI
Think of AI like a sous-chef:
It can chop vegetables and lay out ingredients. But if you want a meal worth serving to top candidates, you still need to be the chef.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Director of Nursing Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what makes a great job post. But right now, you just want a solid starting point you can copy, paste, and tweak to reflect your company.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Director of Nursing – Lead Patient-Centered Care at [Company Name]
📍 Location: [Location] | 🕒 [Job Type] | 💰 Salary: [Salary Range]
🎥 Meet Your Future Team
Watch this short video to hear from leadership and get a feel for our values and work culture:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏥 Who We Are
At [Company Name], we care for patients the way we’d want our own families to be treated. Our facility provides [e.g., skilled nursing, long-term care, or rehabilitation] and is driven by a commitment to clinical excellence, team collaboration, and compassionate service.
We’re now looking for a Director of Nursing who shares these values and wants to help lead a team that puts people first—every single day.
👩⚕️ What You’ll Be Doing
- Oversee all nursing department operations and compliance
- Lead, support, and grow a team of nursing staff
- Collaborate with physicians and department heads
- Ensure high standards of patient care and safety
- Drive clinical improvements and quality assurance initiatives
✅ What We’re Looking For
- RN license in [State]
- BSN required; MSN preferred
- 5+ years of clinical nursing experience
- At least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role
- Strong communication and team-building skills
- Experience in [e.g., long-term care, acute rehab, etc.]
🎯 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
At [Company Name], we believe leadership is more than oversight—it’s ownership. You’ll have the freedom to make impactful decisions, the support of a collaborative leadership team, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy through the people you mentor and the culture you help shape.
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
- 401(k) with company match
- Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
- Monthly leadership development workshops
- Access to wellness and mental health resources
✉️ How to Apply
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen—so you’re evaluated based on real strengths, not just your résumé.
Apply here 👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
📌 Job Title: Director of Nursing
📍 Location: [Location] | 🕒 [Job Type] | 💰 Salary: [Salary Range]
🎥 Watch First: Message from Our Leadership Team
Click the video below to hear directly from [Hiring Manager/Clinical Lead] about the role and culture at [Company Name]:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏥 About Us
[Company Name] is a healthcare facility committed to quality care and clinical excellence. We provide [e.g., skilled nursing, post-acute rehab, or assisted living] services, and our mission is to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care in a respectful and supportive environment.
💼 Job Brief
We’re looking for an experienced Director of Nursing to oversee the clinical operations of our nursing team. The ideal candidate will bring leadership experience, compliance knowledge, and a strong commitment to patient care standards.
🛠️ Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and evaluate nursing staff
- Maintain clinical protocols, documentation, and compliance
- Lead hiring, onboarding, and professional development of staff
- Monitor patient outcomes and support quality improvement
- Serve as a liaison between nurses, physicians, and administrators
✅ Requirements
- RN license in [State]
- BSN required; MSN preferred
- 5+ years of nursing experience
- At least 2 years in a supervisory role
- Familiarity with federal and state regulations in [facility type]
🎁 Perks and Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days
- 401(k) plan
- Tuition reimbursement and CEU support
- Employee recognition and referral bonuses
✉️ How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to ensure a fair and structured evaluation process—so you’re assessed on what truly matters.
Apply here 👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Why You Should Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase
Writing a strong job post is only the first step.
Now comes the hard part: filtering dozens (or hundreds) of applications to find the few who are actually qualified, motivated, and aligned with your company.
That’s where WorkScreen makes all the difference.
Instead of sifting through résumés or playing guessing games in interviews, WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly Identify Your Best Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Test Real-World Skills with One Click
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants (Including AI-Cheaters)
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
If you’re serious about hiring a Director of Nursing (or any key role), don’t just rely on instincts or résumés.
Let WorkScreen give you clarity, confidence, and a faster way to hire the right people.
👉 Click here to check out WorkScreen now and start making smarter hiring decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Director of Nursing
A Director of Nursing (DON) oversees the clinical and nursing operations—staff performance, patient care standards, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
In contrast, a Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) or Facility Administrator focuses on overall facility management—handling budgets, staffing levels, business operations, and regulatory oversight across all departments.
Think of it this way:
- The Administrator runs the business side.
- The DON leads the clinical side.
They work closely together but have different scopes of responsibility.
Beyond clinical credentials, a great Director of Nursing should bring:
- Leadership and mentorship skills (ability to guide and grow a team)
- Emotional intelligence (especially in high-stress or emotionally charged environments)
- Compliance expertise (deep understanding of healthcare regulations)
- Strategic thinking (to manage staffing, quality improvement, and audits)
- Conflict resolution (navigating issues between staff, residents, or families)
Soft skills matter just as much as clinical knowledge in this leadership role.
In the U.S., the average salary for a Director of Nursing ranges from $90,000 to $120,000+ per year, depending on location, facility type, and experience.
For example:
- In long-term care: $85,000–$110,000
- In hospital settings: $110,000–$140,000
- In rural areas: Often on the lower end of the range
- With MSN or specialized credentials: Expect a higher starting point
Note: Including salary transparency in your job post helps attract more serious and aligned candidates.
If you have a promising internal RN or clinical leader who understands your culture and has leadership potential, promoting from within can be a smart move.
However, if your nursing department needs a fresh perspective or turnaround leadership, hiring externally can bring in new systems, experience, and accountability.
Ideally, look at both options—but focus on who’s most aligned with your current needs.
