what is it like to be an assistant director of nursing

mentalhealthRN · Mar 1, 2011

The ADON is just another name for nurse manager for an assigned unit. They manage the staff. The daily flow of things. Assure things are getting done and done correctly. Deal with complaints from residents and families. Assist with tasks like taking off orders, dressings. Many help with or do the addmissions or maybe just the physical assessment part of it. They write care plans--the yucky ones you had to learn in nursing school....and they need to be updated regularly. They work with the doctor. In emergencies--like a code, fall or sudden acute issue like a suspected CVA or a seizure, etc. they are part of the team and may lead it in providing care. They assure the med sheets are changed over every month if using a paper system. They monitor the narcs. They deal with issues with the staff and staff discipline, write-ups etc. They assist with random things around the unit like assuring things are stocked, the O2 tanks are filled, they assist nursing/CNA staff with patient care at times. They fill in for the floor nurses passing meds, doing treatments, etc when there is a call in and no one is able to fill the hole. This list is certainly not all inclusive...but its a good start. It is not an easy job that's for sure.

pixienurse · Mar 1, 2011

What does the DON do and what qualifications are needed?

Pixienurse

nightengalegoddess · Mar 1, 2011

Not sure. Will find out at interview. I meet all the job qualifications, except have not worked in LTC: but my rehab not only had complex co-morbidities with patient care but some stayed as long as 3 months. Worked with a lot of geriatrics from rest homes which did not provide real med-surg nursing care. Aslo did some collabarative case management and dealt with LTCs that way. This one I'm applying at has almost 200 skilled nursing beds, as well as straight up rest home areas. I am beginning to think it is going to be more of a unit management posititon. I do hope I get to do bedside nursing as well....do love that work....just want to get experience managing things and learning the ins and outs. I'm a quick learner. Thanks for replies..blessings any more info is greatly appreciated!