What is the primary responsibility of the Director of Nursing (DON)?

The primary responsibility of the Director of Nursing (DON) is to oversee and direct nursing services within the facility. This role involves ensuring that all nursing care meets regulatory and quality standards, supervising nursing staff, developing policies and procedures related to nursing services, and often being involved in the planning and implementation of patient care programs. The DON plays a critical role in coordinating nursing efforts to ensure optimal patient outcomes and managing the nursing department effectively.

While managing finances, providing direct patient care, and conducting staff training sessions are important functions within a healthcare facility, they fall outside the main scope of the DON's responsibilities. The financial management aspect typically involves administrators or financial managers, direct patient care is often delegated to nursing staff, and while training may be a component of the DON's role, it is not the primary focus compared to the overarching direction and management of nursing services. Thus, the emphasis on directing nursing services accurately captures the essential duties of a DON.