Applied for ADON and DON is a new nurse

BoomerRN · Apr 24, 2009, 06:08 AM

The administrator has been around the area for years. I recognized her name. So, she should know better than to put a new nurse in the DON position. I could have taken the job and for a while thought I might, but having gone around the block a time or two in my career, decided not to step into a hornet's nest. I have worked in long term care since 1979, with 8 years in between working in clinical research, and have seen it go steadily downhill. The state regulations have gotten ridiculous and there is no way you can possibly complete everything and give some quality time and attention to the residents. It's a shame.

Orca · Apr 30, 2009, 03:50 PM

The fact that an inexperienced nurse is DON says a lot about this employer. Either they don't pay their staff enough to attract or retain anyone qualified, or the working conditions are so bad that everyone leaves. I have been in positions in which I have trained and basically carried my supervisor, and it leads to a lot of frustration and resentment. I would pass on this job, and quickly.

expltcrn · May 13, 2009, 05:17 AM

Are you looking for an ADON job or a DON job? Any reason you aren't seeking the DON position instead? (Of course there are many I can think of). But perhaps it should be something for you to consider.

I think every supervisor (new or old) should all be taught the rules for interviewing - the legal aspects and all. We all know there is a nursing shortage, but there is a rapidly growing shortage of nurse managers including DONs as well. Hence, many LTCs are having a hard time filling in the gaps.

Good luck to you. Hopefully you will find your place somewhere!

BoomerRN · May 13, 2009, 06:01 AM

I am at the stage of my life where I can pick and choose what I want to do. I do not have to work for a living, but I am looking for a position such as ADON. I have been a DON a few times, as well as a ADON, and I prefer being able to work directly with staff and residents. I've always been a 'hands on person' and this position lets me have a lot of input on resident care.
Here's an update on the facility that I interviewed for the ADON: They still do not have an ADON and are still advertising for one. I wonder if it's because when people find out that the DON is a new nurse, they become disinterested? You think?

expltcrn · May 13, 2009, 06:16 AM

Perhaps. Were you able to spend enough time to gauge the DON's interest in keeping her position and her desire to learn? I only ask that because I was one of those too, trained to be a DON right out of nursing school when I could not even be legally qualified by state regulations to do so. However, the RN Administrator and Owner (also with DON experience) trained me well from the get go in all the facets of running a skilled nursing facility, as well as the process of taking over facility ownership. But I was given a different title until I got more experience, and worked the floor too of course! If you feel that the rest of the team can function well (i.e. Social Services and Dietary, MDS) and you can actually be (if she lets you) mentor the DON, would you reconsider applying? How is the performance of the facility itself by reputation, and by regulatory findings?