Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing at Otterbein SeniorLife will oversee all nursing operations, ensure quality care 24/7, lead a qualified resident care services team, and collaborate with healthcare professionals. This role also includes developing policies, managing the nursing department budget, and enhancing resident satisfaction through effective communication with families and staff.

To qualify for the Director of Nursing position at Otterbein SeniorLife, candidates must be a graduate of an approved nursing program, hold a valid Indiana Registered Nurse (RN) license, and preferably have at least five years of nursing leadership experience. Strong clinical, communication, and leadership skills are essential for this role.

The Director of Nursing ensures high-quality resident care by training and supervising staff, creating effective assessment plans, and continuously evaluating resident needs. They also implement strong systems and strategies to meet medical, psychosocial, and emotional requirements while adhering to community and state regulations.

The work environment at Otterbein SeniorLife is collaborative and community-focused, characterized by a supportive team passionate about elder care. Directors engage closely with residents and families, fostering a culture of compassion, respect, and commitment to improving residents’ quality of life in our beautiful 120-acre setting.

The Director of Nursing at Otterbein SeniorLife has numerous opportunities for professional growth, including leadership development programs, regular training sessions, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. This role encourages continuous learning and innovation in elder care practices, aligning with our mission and values.

When answering this question, highlight your passion for serving others, your experiences that led you to leadership, and specific instances where you made a positive impact in your past nursing roles.

Use examples from your past where you effectively resolved conflicts by fostering open communication, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground to encourage a collaborative environment.

Discuss a specific instance where you successfully led a change, the challenges you faced, the collaboration involved, and the positive outcomes achieved as a result of that change.

Explain your strategies for maintaining high standards, such as regular training for staff, routine audits, and creating a culture of accountability and excellence within the nursing department.

Discuss your experience in managing budgets, prioritizing needs based on patient care quality, and implementing cost-effective measures without compromising standards.

Share examples of how you actively solicited feedback, addressed family concerns quickly and compassionately, and worked to enhance the overall resident experience and satisfaction.

Provide an overview of your beliefs regarding patient-centered care, emphasizing respect, individualized care plans, and the importance of understanding residents' emotional and psychosocial needs.

Explain specific initiatives you've implemented that encouraged team development, such as mentorship programs, workshops, or opportunities for further education and skills training.

Discuss your techniques for managing stress, such as time management skills, asking for support when needed, and prioritizing self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Express your admiration for Otterbein's mission, citing specific values and principles that resonate with you, and discuss how your skills and experiences align perfectly with their needs.