The DON plays a vital role in the long-term care facility, acting as a liaison between residents and physicians to ensure optimal care is provided. The 20-hour Director of Nursing Certification Program examines all aspects of the DON’s role in the LTC facility and provides critical education about residents’ rights and care planning, personnel and financial management, and overseeing facility administration. Four unique course modules within the DON Certification Program include: Module 1: Administration of the Nursing Department in LTC Facilities: Provides a detailed look at the responsibilities of the LTC administrative staff, including policy and procedure preparation, determination of staffing needs, budget preparation and facilitation of interdepartmental teamwork Module 2: Leading and Developing Nursing Staff: Examines the role and responsibility of the DON in leading and developing the LTC facility nursing staff; explores recruitment, hiring, supervision, performance appraisal, staff development, time and stress management, union contracts and fair labor laws Module 3: Resident Assessment and Care: Covers resident assessment and care planning; provides a section-by-section overview of MDS 3.0 as well as additional assessment areas to ensure a holistic approach to care, and includes instruction on managing clinical emergencies, safe medication administration, and infection control Module 4: Creating a Safe, Caring Culture: Outlines the major legal risks in the nursing home setting as well as residents’ rights and the components of a Quality Improvement program; lists the seven ethical principles guiding health care professionals and looks at complementary and alternative therapies in long-term care