About This Role
Director of Nursing (DON) – Travel/Contract
Location: St. Ignace, Michigan
Contract Position
Are you a dynamic nursing leader ready to make an immediate impact? We are seeking an experienced Travel Director of Nursing (DON) to provide interim leadership and operational oversight in a long\-term care setting in beautiful Northern Michigan. This contract opportunity is ideal for a results\-driven nurse executive who thrives in fast\-paced environments and can quickly assess, stabilize, and elevate nursing operations.
This role requires a hands\-on leader with strong regulatory knowledge, survey readiness experience, and the ability to guide teams through change while maintaining exceptional resident care standards.
Position Summary
The Travel Director of Nursing is responsible for the overall clinical and administrative oversight of nursing services across the facility. The DON ensures high\-quality, compliant, and resident\-centered care while leading staff, strengthening systems, and supporting quality improvement initiatives.
This is an onsite leadership role requiring visibility, accountability, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Leadership
- Oversee all nursing services to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate resident care
- Ensure accurate assessments, MDS completion, and individualized care planning
- Monitor clinical outcomes and implement corrective action plans as needed
- Provide direct oversight of infection control, risk management, and patient safety programs
- Collaborate with physicians, therapy teams, hospice, and ancillary providers
Regulatory \& Survey Readiness
- Ensure compliance with CMS, Medicare, and Michigan state regulations
- Lead survey preparedness efforts and actively participate in inspections and audits
- Conduct routine documentation and care plan audits
- Oversee QAPI initiatives and drive measurable performance improvement
- Ensure HIPAA compliance and documentation integrity within EMR/EHR systems
Staff \& Operational Management
- Supervise RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and nurse managers
- Evaluate staffing patterns and adjust schedules to meet census and acuity needs
- Mentor and coach nursing leadership to strengthen accountability and performance
- Address performance concerns promptly and professionally
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development initiatives
Administrative Oversight
- Assist with nursing department budget management and resource allocation
- Ensure timely and accurate clinical documentation
- Participate in leadership meetings and strategic planning efforts
- Support Medicare reimbursement processes and documentation standards
QualificationsRequired
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Active Michigan RN license (must be active at submission)
- 3–5 years of nursing experience in long\-term care
- Prior leadership or nurse management experience
- CPR Certification (documentation required)
- Infection Control Certification (documentation required)
- Strong working knowledge of CMS, Medicare, and state LTC regulations
- Experience with EMR/EHR systems
Preferred
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Previous interim or travel leadership experience
- MDS experience
- Experience with Matrix scheduling systems
Schedule \& Contract Expectations
- Onsite position
- One weekend per month required
- Participation in on\-call rotation
- Contract role (duration determined by facility needs)
Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a confident, adaptable leader who can:
- Quickly assess facility needs and implement structured action plans
- Strengthen clinical systems and documentation practices
- Inspire accountability and teamwork
- Maintain calm, decisive leadership during periods of transition
Pay: $4,000\.00 \- $4,300\.00 per week
Benefits:
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
License/Certification:
- RN License (Preferred)
Work Location: In person