Director of Nursing in Training (DNS-IT)
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90-Day Path to Director of Nursing | No On-Call During Initial Training | Dedicated Mentorship
Apple Rehab Rocky Hill
Are you an experienced nurse leader who is ready to take the next step into a Director of Nursing role, but looking for an organization that will provide the support and mentorship to help you succeed?Apple Rehab Rocky Hill is seeking a Director of Nursing in Training (DNS-IT) to join our nursing leadership team. This unique position provides an experienced RN leader with a structured 90-day pathway to becoming Director of Nursing Services.
Rather than stepping immediately into the full responsibilities of a DNS position, the DNS-IT will work alongside experienced nursing leadership and Apple Rehab's Corporate Clinical team while progressively assuming responsibility for the clinical operations of the facility.
What the 90-Day Pathway Looks Like
- First 30 Days: Learn the building, residents, nursing team, clinical systems, staffing, regulatory history, and current clinical priorities while working closely with experienced nursing leadership.
- Days 31-60: Begin assuming greater ownership of daily clinical operations, nursing leadership, staffing, quality initiatives, survey readiness, and staff accountability.
- Days 61-90: Progressively function at the DNS level while continuing to receive mentorship, support, and leadership guidance.
- Formal 30-, 60-, and 90-day development checkpoints will provide feedback and ensure readiness for the transition to DNS.
What You'll Do
- Provide leadership and support to the nursing department and clinical team.
- Participate in daily clinical operations and interdisciplinary clinical meetings.
- Monitor clinical outcomes and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
- Support nursing staffing, scheduling, retention, and staff development.
- Coach and develop nursing supervisors, licensed nurses, and CNAs.
- Participate in QAPI and ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain ongoing regulatory and survey readiness.
- Participate in incident investigations, clinical follow-up, and corrective action.
- Build strong relationships with residents, families, providers, staff, and facility leadership.
- Progressively assume the responsibilities necessary to independently lead the nursing department.
- Current Connecticut Registered Nurse license in good standing.
- Nursing leadership experience in skilled nursing or long-term care strongly preferred.
- Experience as an ADNS, Nurse Manager, Unit Manager, RN Supervisor, Staff Development/Infection Prevention nurse, or similar nursing leadership position encouraged.
- Knowledge of long-term care regulations and clinical standards.
- Strong leadership, communication, organization, and clinical judgment.
- A leader who is visible, engaged, accountable, and comfortable developing others.
- Most importantly, someone who is ready to grow into the Director of Nursing role and wants the mentorship and opportunity to do it successfully.
- DNS-in-Training salary: $120,000 annually. Upon successful transition to Director of Nursing Services, compensation will increase to the established DNS salary range of $140,000-$145,000 annually.
- Structured 90-day leadership development and mentorship period.
- Progressive transition into DNS responsibilities rather than being expected to manage the entire role on day one.
- Upon successful completion of the program and transition to Director of Nursing Services, compensation will increase to the established DNS salary.
- Continued support from facility leadership and Apple Rehab Corporate Clinical Services.