New Grad as Wellness Director?

Dolce, RN · Mar 25, 2008

I think when he says he thinks you should "give it a shot" he means, we'll use your license because we really need someone and you are a warm body.

Please don't fall into this game. LTCs are notorious for this kind of misplacement of new grads. Take a first position that will allow you to build up the skills you learned in nursing school. Since you only have a smattering of nursing skills you need to really nail them down your first year. You can gain basic nursing skills on any number of floors--med/surg, ICU, tele, OR, OB, NICU, etc, etc, etc.

A director position is just not appropriate for a new grad. Please don't be fooled by their offer. It is not in your best interest.

onyx77 · Mar 25, 2008

I think when he says he thinks you should "give it a shot" he means, we'll use your license because we really need someone and you are a warm body.
Please don't fall into this game. LTCs are notorious for this kind of misplacement of new grads. Take a first position that will allow you to build up the skills you learned in nursing school. Since you only have a smattering of nursing skills you need to really nail them down your first year. You can gain basic nursing skills on any number of floors--med/surg, ICU, tele, OR, OB, NICU, etc, etc, etc.
A director position is just not appropriate for a new grad. Please don't be fooled by their offer. It is not in your best interest.

Thank you! That was my feelings, but I guess I needed to hear from someone else (with more 'nursing' experience) to validate my concern. Like I said before, I am really wondering what type of facility this is. It is located in nearby city that is notorious for VERY badly run LTC facilities. My husband ofcourse thought it might be something to look into - I obviously have my reservations.

Thank you for the validation!

Dolce, RN · Mar 25, 2008

I think that sometimes a "gut feeling" that we have is often correct. If something seems wrong than it very likely is.

Wishing you the best in finding a great new grad position elsewhere!

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2008

I was just wondering if a wellness director at in LTC is an appropriate position as a new grad. I ask because I have an offer for the position but I told them that I didn't think I was qualified as I am a new grad. But, he said my experience as a CNA should have helped with assessment skills and he would like me to give it a shot. I guess I am pretty nervous about this and don't really know what to think about it. I wonder if this is appriate for a new grad OR if not, what type of facility is this? I was hopin that you all could give me some input.
Thanks!

go with your gut. as a 5 year CNA we're not taught assessment skills. We're taught how to observe. :twocents:

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2008

Is this assisted living or a skilled LTC? Just wondering what a wellness director would be? RNAC?

I agree with the above. New nurses should get their feet wet first.

megananne7 · Mar 25, 2008

NO WAY.

Run from this place.

I'm a new grad but I've worked in 2 ALFs who had experienced nurses working in a Wellness Director/DON position and even they had problems with it, ended up being forced to resign or couldnt handle the pressure.

onyx77 · Mar 31, 2008

I think when he says he thinks you should "give it a shot" he means, we'll use your license because we really need someone and you are a warm body.

I decided not even to bother with this one, as you all confirmed my gut feeling. Funny thing---- he just called me back and left a message about how bad they really want me to give it a shot! Now, I'm even more convinced that I made the right choice.

Thanks everyone!