Starting a new position as ADON, all advice welcomed and wanted !!!

123lisa · Apr 19, 2001

I have worked as a floor nurse in a Medicare/Medicaid building for 5 years and worked my up to DON in four years........Remember to keep balance in your life.......when you first start this job you are going to want to give your all.......Try to get hourly pay.....it is more than salary.......you will be expected to work 50+ hours each week.....you are to learn the DON job is so may take over when he/she is out. I got burnt out badly at the 10th month........the national average is 6 months......There is an association you should join...have your building pay for it......Attend conferences if you can......Remember those who were your friends will now be your employees.......you will have to carry out punishemtn and handle complaints from many........you can email me if you need to talk......you have just taken on a very challenging position in which you will learn and gain a lot.......just remember what my old DON told me......Lisa give it 6 months before you decide whether you are keeping the job or not......I did I loved it, but I was responsible for my building 7/24...the phone rings at any given moment and you must handle it......there is a nursing shortage and you have to pick up the pieces......show up work the floor 11-7 etc.........hang in there and get the experience......it looks great on a resume.

email address [email protected]

Originally posted by Carly:
I have just accepted a new position as ADON of a small, but very intense and busy facility. I have been a nurse for 5years, worked in ER,CCU,Med-surg,LTC and for the past year as a Supervisor on the floor of this very facility. I have a good relationship with my DON and the floor staff for the most part. Any advice from experienced ones in this field are needed, also any advice from floor nurses is appreciated also.

journeyy · Apr 19, 2001

Please take a look at how preceptorship is handled in your facility. If you have an opportunity to help write policy, please consider letting your preceptors be volunteers who are well compensated for their efforts (I think time and a half would be fair). Please consider reducing the preceptors patient load as well. Consider it an investment. You'd have to pay agency nurses lots more, and, this way you are investing in a potential long-term employee.

It's a win-win situation. Good luck to you.

The fact that you cared enough to ask says a lot about who you are.

kellysue · Dec 28, 2001

hey carly

good luck in your new position.

Please, make yourself available, get out on the floor when you can to offer help, ask for input from all staff, and please don't put yourself above others:D