Accepted DON Position!

Specialties LTC Directors

Published

So...I accepted a DON position at a small 60 bed facility. So nervous and excited at the same time. I am nervous about the approach and how the staff will receive me. Any advice is helpful. Thanks in advance.

middleagednurse

554 Posts

Specializes in nurseline,med surg, PD.

I dont want to be mean but learning to spell might be on your to do list.

DHawkinsrn

51 Posts

Wow never knew nurses could be so mean. Thanks for the support. No more AllNurses for me. Thanks anyway.

pookyp, LPN

1,074 Posts

Congrats!

DHawkinsrn

51 Posts

I dont want to be mean but learning to spell might be on your to do list.

See this is a prime example of how nurses are so critical of other nurses. I am not perfect and I am so excited I didn't spell something correctly. I am honestly disappointed in the comment you made. I hope you are corrected in the same manner in which you corrected me and you will see how it feels.

Trauma Columnist

traumaRUs, MSN, APRN

88 Articles; 21,249 Posts

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Corrected the typo - congrats.

DHawkinsrn

51 Posts

Corrected the typo - congrats.

Thank you very much!

DHawkinsrn

51 Posts

Congrats!

Thank you!!

LTCRN4LIFE

245 Posts

Congratulations! Make no changes right off. Have a Meet N Greet with each shift to get to know your staff. Read the last 3 Surveys to learn what the issues have been and look at the last 6 months of Quality Measures to see where the facility stands. That will give you a starting point. ....and....post here.....lots of good help and advice!

DHawkinsrn

51 Posts

Congratulations! Make no changes right off. Have a Meet N Greet with each shift to get to know your staff. Read the last 3 Surveys to learn what the issues have been and look at the last 6 months of Quality Measures to see where the facility stands. That will give you a starting point. ....and....post here.....lots of good help and advice!

Thank you! I will follow this advice. I don't want to come on too strong with staff, I want to ease them into any changes that have to be made.

sls73

96 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics.

Congrats! I agree with the above post about not making changes right away. You need to learn the processes and procedures before you make improvements. Do not forget you have three shifts you are responsible for, not just dayshift. Come in during the night and see what is happening or stay for second shift. Be willing to lend a hand- I recognize you have a job to do too, but a simple offer means more then you know. More times then not, staff will handle on their own, but it is the thought that counts. Last be fair, consistent, and treat others with respect.

You will be fine. Remember you will not learn everything over night, so don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake. It will take time to make it your own and to feel comfortable in the role. I believe I started feeling confident in the role- year 2 or 3(yes that long). If you need any support or help please feel free to post your questions on this board as others may have thoughts and suggestions to help you out.

Best Wishes!

middleagednurse

554 Posts

Specializes in nurseline,med surg, PD.

I apologize for my rude comment.

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