considering applying for DON position

Specialties Geriatric

Published

May be moving out of a large metroplex to a small rural area, with limited nursing positions. Considering applying for a LTC DON position, but have no idea if I'd even be considered. Would like feedback on what my learning curves would need to be, and what are the typical challenges a DON faces.

Background: MSN (Clinical Nurse Leader), 8 years outpatient procedures/surgeries, 3 years SICU, 1 year Periop Clinical Specialist (lateral specialist for large hospital Periop: OR, SPD, PACU, Pre-op, Endo, IR, Procedures; includes TJC condition rectification/policies, EBP, PI work, staff education and new equipment and policy role outs, etc.)

I have always LIKED the elderly; used to go an play the piano and sing once a week when I was a kid, at a LTC. I did not care for it as a nursing student, but I was concerned about my med passes, as this was the focus of that semester, lol.

Position would be for a state-run veteran's home, fairly good employee reviews on line, but voice typical problems like call ins, double shifts.

Do you have to have worked in LTC to become a DON? Any advice, and or probing questions is greatly appreciated. I think two of my best qualities to make me successful would be that I am fair (don't play favorites) and that I learn very quickly (all the regulations I would need to get up to speed on quickly).

Thanks!

allnurses Guide

NurseCard, ADN

2,847 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Is being "overqualified" a thing in the nursing world?

I mean... most DON positions in LTC do not even require a BSN.

I'm not even sure that they all require an RN.

I don't suppose it really matters though... you sound like

you would do great in any leadership role. Working in

LTC is very stressful. Many many MANY regulations that

you would indeed have to learn and follow. Like you said,

you'd be dealing with tons of staffing issues. You are on

call 24/7 in most positions.

Some employers may worry that a candidate like you would

quickly become disenchanted with this position. Quickly.

I'd give it a shot though! It would be something new and

you may really enjoy it, and you may make a great difference

in that facility.

CapeCodMermaid, RN

6,090 Posts

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

WOW...I don't know where you're from but I've never met a DNS who wasn't an RN. We have more regulations than the nuclear power industry and every year are expected to do more with less. It's a tough job even with years of LTC/SNF experience, and the new survey process makes it even tougher.

allnurses Guide

NurseCard, ADN

2,847 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I don't think I've ever met a DON who wasn't at least an RN either. I don't

know why I made that comment about not needing to be an RN. I honestly

don't. Maybe I've heard of an LPN directing an Assisted Living facility..

perhaps that's what I was thinking of.

Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

You have stellar qualifications

As a DON I was responsible for:

Risk mgt. falls etc.

Incident report of low up

Staff development

Monitoring for weight loss

Skin assessment

Care plans

CMScompliance, with what was a " reportable" to state

Chart audits

Unfortunately 24/7 on call

Cna skill evaluation of skills

hibiscus6, BSN

14 Posts

Specializes in SNF/LTC, MDS.

My company requires a BSN for leadership positions including DON. I have worked with 2 DONs who were successful in moving into their roles from ICU positions. I also worked with 2 ADONS from similar backgrounds who failed. I think some of what makes the difference is in respect for long term care as a specialty and being open to learning (versus a "how hard could it be?"approach). Sounds like you have good leadership skills , and the ability to be fair is a necessity. If it's a decent company (unfortunately not all of them are), it could be a rewarding position for you.

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