Advancing Leadership. Elevating Care.
At NextGen DON Academy, we prepare current and aspiring Directors of Nursing (DONs) to lead with confidence, compassion and excellence – giving you the tools to succeed in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
PROGRAMS
Director of Nursing Leadership Certification Program
Why Choose NextGen DON Academy
Leadership Development
Grow into a confident and effective nursingleader who inspires teams and drives results.
Recognized Certification
Graduate with a professional DON Leadership Certificate that validates your expertise.
Operational Excellence
Gain practical skills in staffing, scheduuling, budgeting, and workflow optimization.
Quality Improvement Training
Learn how to use data, audits, and metrics to improve patient care outcomes.
Staff Development & Retention
Build strong, high performing nursing teams & create a culture of trust & accountability.
Regulatory & Compliance Mastery
Understand CMS standards, surveys readiness, and best practices.
Week 1
Foundations of DON Leadership
Theme: Understanding the Role & Power of the DON
Focus: Leadership identity, professional accountability, and the impact of the DON on care quality.
Key Topics:
- Defining the modern DON’s role in long-term care
- Leadership styles and emotional intelligence
- Building credibility and leading with integrity
- Establishing a leadership vision and culture of care
Outcome: Participants define their leadership philosophy and identify areas for growth.
Part 2: Communication & Team Dynamics
Theme: Leading Through Connection
Focus: Effective communication, conflict resolution, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Topics:
- Communicating expectations clearly and confidently
- Conflict management and de-escalation strategies
- Coaching and mentoring diverse staff
- Promoting teamwork and engagement across departments
Outcome: Participants develop a personal communication strategy to improve staff morale and retention.
Week 2
Clinical & Regulatory Mastery
Theme: Ensuring Safe, Compliant, High-Quality Care
Focus: Deep dive into compliance standards and quality assurance.
Key Topics:
- CMS regulations, state survey preparation, and Joint Commission standards
- Infection control and risk management
- Documentation, audits, and performance tracking
- Handling citations and corrective action planning
Outcome: Participants gain the skills to maintain regulatory compliance and prepare for successful surveys.
Part 2: Operational & Financial Management
Theme: Running the Nursing Department Like a Pro
Focus: Practical skills for staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and productivity.
Key Topics:
- Budget creation and financial literacy for DONs
- Staffing models, acuity-based scheduling, and labor cost control
- Prioritizing workflow and delegation
- Balancing quality care with fiscal responsibility
Outcome: Participants learn to manage resources efficiently without compromising care quality.
Week 3
Data-Driven Quality Improvement
Data-Driven Quality Improvement
Theme: Turning Data into Action
Focus: Using metrics and reports to improve outcomes and drive decisions.
Key Topics:
- Understanding QAPI (Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement)
- Data collection and performance analysis
- Implementing evidence-based improvement plans
- Tracking clinical outcomes and staff performance indicators
Outcome: Participants design a QAPI initiative for their facility.
Part 2: Staff Development & Retention
Theme: Building and Sustaining a High-Performing Team
Focus: Creating an environment of continuous learning, recognition, and accountability.
Key Topics:
- Onboarding and training strategies for nurses and CNAs
- Empowering charge nurses and supervisors
- Preventing burnout and promoting well-being
- Recognition programs and career pathing
Outcome: Participants design a staff engagement and development plan.
Week 4
Strategic Leadership & Change Management
Theme: Leading Change in a Complex Healthcare Environment
Focus: Managing transitions, innovation, and organizational culture.
Key Topics:
- Leading through change and crisis management
- Strategic planning and alignment with facility goals
- Interdisciplinary leadership and executive collaboration
- Ethical leadership in difficult decisions
Outcome: Participants learn to lead change with confidence and vision.
Part 2: Capstone Project & Certification
Theme: Bringing It All Together
Focus: Applying all competencies through real-world problem-solving.
Key Topics:
- Case study analysis
- Presentation of a leadership or QAPI improvement project
- Peer and instructor feedback
Graduation and certification ceremony
Outcome: Participants earn the NextGen DON Leadership Certificate, demonstrating mastery in nursing leadership, compliance, and management