Director of Nursing Residency Program
Train to Become a Director of Nursing with Us!
Grow Your Leadership. Advance Your Career. Shape the Future of Care.
We believe exceptional care starts with exceptional leaders.
The Director of Nursing Residency Program is designed for ambitious nursing professionals who are ready to take the next step into leadership. Whether you’re an Assistant Director of Nursing, Unit Manager, Nurse Supervisor, or an experienced RN with leadership potential, this program helps prepare you for one of the most impactful roles in healthcare.
As a Director of Nursing, you do more than oversee clinical operations. You influence patient outcomes, support nursing teams, and help build a culture of excellence.
This residency gives you the knowledge, mentorship, and real-world leadership experience to step into that role with confidence.
Why Join the DON Residency Program?
Managing staffing, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, team engagement, and clinical excellence requires a new set of leadership skills. Many talented nurses are clinically strong but have never received formal leadership development.
That is where this program comes in.
Our DON Residency Program bridges the gap between clinical expertise and executive leadership.
Through guided training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, you will develop the confidence and capability to lead high-performing teams.
“Nursing is an art: and if it is to be made an art, it requires an exclusive devotion as hard a preparation, as any painter’s or sculptor’s work.”
— Florence Nightingale
Who Should Apply?
The Director of Nursing Residency Program is designed for nursing professionals who are ready to grow into impactful leadership roles and shape the future of clinical care.
You may be a strong fit if you are:
-
- A Registered Nurse seeking career advancement into nursing leadership
- An Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) preparing for the next step
- A Unit Manager or Nurse Supervisor ready for broader responsibility
- A high-performing clinical leader interested in executive development
- An external RN with supervisory experience in a skilled nursing facility looking to advance your leadership career
- Passionate about improving resident outcomes, team performance, and quality of care
Whether you’re already part of the Saber family or exploring your next career move, this program offers the mentorship, education, and hands-on experience needed to become a successful Director of Nursing.
Not ready to make the move just yet? You may know someone who is.
Share this opportunity with a colleague, mentor, or fellow nurse who is ready to lead.
Director of Nursing Residency Program Highlights
20+ Weeks of Dedicated Training
Residents step away from their current roles to focus fully on leadership development.
Selective & Strategic
6–8 nurses are chosen semiannually, with no more than two per state, ensuring personalized attention and regional balance.
Two-Year Commitment
Graduates commit to serving in a management role at a Saber community within 50 miles of their home.
Cross-Department Experience
Residents rotate through key departments such as Nursing, Administration, Rehab, HR, Social Services, and more to gain a full picture of community operations.
Capstone Quality Improvement Project
In the final four weeks of the program, the DON resident will complete a quality improvement project and present it to a panel at the conclusion of the 20‑week program.
Why This Program Matters
Strong nursing leadership improves everything.
When Directors of Nursing are prepared and supported, teams perform better, residents receive stronger care, and facilities achieve better outcomes.
Leadership Readiness
Participants gain hands‑on exposure to the core responsibilities of a Director of Nursing, including staffing, compliance, care planning, and day‑to‑day clinical operations.
Mentorship & Support
Experienced nursing leaders provide guidance through structured evaluations, leadership meetings, and a personalized development plan tailored to each participant’s goals.
Career Growth
Graduates complete the program prepared to lead with confidence, compassion, and a well‑rounded understanding of what it takes to be a successful DON.
Meet Our Experienced Team
Our Director of Nursing Residency Program is led by a dedicated team of Clinical Educators and Divisionals who bring deep expertise and a shared passion for long‑term care. With decades of combined experience in skilled nursing leadership, clinical operations, and regulatory excellence, our team is committed to developing the next generation of exceptional Directors of Nursing.
They serve not only as instructors, but as true mentors, guiding aspiring nurse leaders through hands‑on training, real‑world problem‑solving, and personalized professional support. Their mission is simple: to empower new DONs with the confidence, competence, and clinical judgment needed to lead their teams and provide outstanding care.
Together, our educators ensure every resident, every team member, and every future leader feels supported, prepared, and inspired to make a meaningful impact in long‑term care.
Celebrating a Graduate of Our Director of Nursing Residency Program
FAQs
Applications can be found on Navex Policy under "Director of Nursing Residency Program". If you have trouble finding the documents, you can ask your Director of Nursing for assistance or reach out to DONResidency@saberhealth.com
Join Us in Building a Stronger Future
We believe in the potential of our team members and are dedicated to helping you grow within the company. Our programs are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and support needed to become leaders in our communities. Together, we can build a brighter future for our residents and our organization.