Date(s): October 21, 22, 28, & 29, 2026

All session dates must be attended to be eligible for CE hours.

This virtual training is divided into four sessions for your convenience, and it will take place in real-time on the specified dates. To participate, you'll need a stable WIFI connection and either a laptop/computer or a smartphone. All participants are required to have their cameras turned on throughout the sessions. For an optimal learning experience, we strongly recommend engaging in a distraction-free environment.

Time:
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM: Log into virtual training. System check if needed.
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Class instruction

Login Access:
The link will be emailed at least 24-hours prior to each training date; and 15 minutes prior to the start for all late or same-day registrations. The email will come from an @cahf.org email address.

Who Should Attend:
Director of Nursing, Assistant Director of Nursing, Registered Nurse, Licensed Vocational Nurse

Description of Course:
Designed for both new and experienced Directors of Nursing, this program provides the knowledge, strategies, and practical tools needed to successfully lead clinical operations in today's skilled nursing environment. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the Director of Nursing's leadership role, regulatory responsibilities, quality improvement initiatives, reimbursement fundamentals, and workforce management strategies. Through real-world applications and best practices, attendees will strengthen their ability to promote regulatory compliance, improve resident outcomes, build high-performing teams, and lead with confidence.

Topics Include: 
The Skilled Nursing Landscape: An overview of today's skilled nursing environment, resident demographics, industry trends, and the evolving role of long-term care.

The Director of Nursing Leadership Role: Responsibilities of the DON and collaboration with key interdisciplinary team members, including the Administrator, Medical Director, Staff Development Coordinator, Social Services, MDS Coordinator, Registered Dietitian, Charge Nurses, and Certified Nursing Assistants.

Regulatory Compliance and Reimbursement: Federal and state regulations, standards of care, Title 22, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, licensure versus certification, reimbursement fundamentals, MDS/RAI, and level of care determinations.

Essential DON Operations: Time management, prioritization, staffing requirements, budgeting, policy and procedure management, emergency preparedness, mandatory reporting requirements, incident management, and operational best practices.

Workforce Leadership and Staff Development: Effective communication, leadership skills, recruitment and retention strategies, onboarding, coaching, performance management, staff engagement, team building, and creating a culture of accountability and respect.

Resident-Centered Care: Promoting person-centered care, partnering with residents and families, admission processes, resident rights, complaint resolution, family engagement, Ombudsman collaboration, and enhancing quality of life.

End-of-Life Care and Decision Making: Advance care planning, determining decision-making capacity, legally authorized representatives, POLST, hospice services, and ethical considerations.

Resident Safety and Clinical Excellence: Risk management, assessment and care planning, documentation, nutrition, avoidable versus unavoidable outcomes, change in condition reporting, SBAR communication, and interdisciplinary clinical oversight.

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI): Building and sustaining an effective quality program through data analysis, root cause analysis, performance improvement projects, Quality Assurance and Assessment (QAA) processes, action planning, monitoring outcomes, benchmarking, and survey preparedness.

Learning Objectives:
•Describe the core responsibilities of the Director of Nursing, including leadership, regulatory compliance, reimbursement, and interdisciplinary collaboration required to effectively manage clinical operations in a skilled nursing facility. 
•Apply evidence-based leadership, workforce management, and resident-centered care strategies to improve staff performance, regulatory compliance, resident outcomes, and organizational quality. 
•Develop practical approaches for implementing Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) initiatives, managing clinical risks, and preparing for regulatory surveys through data-driven decision-making and operational best practices.
 

CE Hours (Requested):
BRN – 16
Registrants must be individually logged in for all four days for the full session to receive CE hours and certificate.

Audio/Visual:
Virtual training experiences will happen in real time on the date and time advertised. They will require a Wi-Fi connection, a laptop/computer and/or a smartphone. For the best experience, we highly encourage you to participate in a distraction-free environment.

Materials: QCHF's DON / Nurse Leadership Training manual, CARE Recommendations, various handouts. A link to materials will be emailed 24 to 48 hours prior to the first day of the virtual training.
 

QCHF Continuing Education Attendance Policy

REFUND POLICY
To receive a refund, cancellations must be submitted in writing at least five (5) business days (Monday–Friday) prior to the start of the course or event. Cancellations may be submitted to registrar@cahf.org. 

Registration substitutions/transfers are permitted when requested in writing prior to the start of the course or event.

CAHF/QCHF reserves the right to cancel or modify a training or event at any time.