Close up image of a caretaker helping older woman walk

With an eye toward decreasing turnover, a prominent nursing directors group just released a new document that helps spell out the specifics of becoming a DON.

The American Association of Directors of Nursing Services, or AADNS, just released its first ever “Body of Knowledge for the Role of Director of Nursing Services in Long-Term Care.” This 46-page document hopes to explicitly spell out the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to practice as a director of nursing in a skilled-nursing facility. It was developed with the help of more nearly 30 nursing leadership experts across the country, according to an announcement.

“In an age when DNS turnover continues to be a challenge for LTC nursing facilities, preparing this DNS body of knowledge document, which defines the standards and competencies for the top nurse leader, is a critical step in helping to equip and prepare DNSs for success,” said Judi Kulus, AADNS’s vice president of curriculum development.

The document is intended for a wide audience of nurses, according to the association, and includes categories such as the principles of leadership, professional development, regulatory compliance and quality improvement in the nursing department. You can read a free preview of the paper here, or contact Deborah White for more information at [email protected] or (844) 796-9634.