The Director of Nursing (DON) may also serve as a charge nurse when the average daily occupancy is how many residents or fewer?

In Pennsylvania, regulations specify that the Director of Nursing (DON) can simultaneously fulfill the role of a charge nurse when the average daily occupancy of the facility is at or below a certain threshold. This policy is in place to ensure that the nursing management structure remains efficient and effective while meeting the necessary care standards for residents.

The correct answer indicates that this dual role is permissible when there are 60 residents or fewer on average each day. This limit allows the DON to maintain oversight of nursing operations and ensure that quality care can be delivered without compromising the DON’s primary responsibilities. When occupancy exceeds this number, the complexity and demands of managing both roles could hinder effective nursing leadership and patient care. Therefore, this regulation balances the need for adequate staffing with the directors' administrative and clinical duties.

The other options represent occupancy levels higher than what is allowed for a DON to serve also as a charge nurse, which would not comply with the nursing home regulations designed to promote optimal care and management practices.