Director of Nursing Residency Program
Train to Become a Director of Nursing with Us!
At Saber Healthcare, we are committed to nurturing the growth and leadership potential of our nursing leaders. We believe in empowering our team members to reach their full potential and step confidently into leadership roles that shape the future of healthcare in our communities.
Are You Ready to Lead?
We have developed a specialized training program designed exclusively to prepare future Directors of Nursing.
The program offers:
Personalized, mentor-driven training
Hands-on leadership experience
Guidance from experienced nursing leaders
A clear path to becoming a Director of Nursing
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 It Matters
Leadership Readiness
Residents learn the ins and outs of staffing, compliance, care planning, and daily operations.
Mentorship & Support
Experienced leaders guide residents through structured evaluations, meetings, and a personalized training plan.
Career Growth
Graduates emerge ready to lead with confidence, compassion, and a deep 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" sections. If you have trouble finding the documents, you can ask your Administrator for assistance or reach out to Liana.Schaefer@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.
