Nursing Leadership Development Program

Ready to be a DNS? Get the Training Before You Get the Keys.

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.

Upon successful completion of the development period and demonstration of readiness to independently lead the nursing department, the DNS-IT will be eligible to transition into the Director of Nursing Services position.

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.

What We're Looking For

• 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.

Compensation & Opportunity

• 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.

If you are ready to move from nursing leadership into the Director of Nursing role, we would like to meet you.