Specialties LTC Directors
Published Jul 15, 2011
ChargeNurseAmy74
363 Posts
At my LTC that I work as a charge nurse, we have our ED, DON, ADON & DNS but shes an LVN. I want to know the difference between the DON and DNS and how can the DNS be an LVN? thanks
CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN
3,734 Posts
Director of Nursing = DON
Director of Nursing Service = DNS
DON = DNS in our area
???? I'd love to hear of the difference.
DaniLPN2RN
171 Posts
What function does the DNS serve at your facility? Some LTC facilities have Unit Managers, maybe the DNS is in lieu of Unit Managers which oversees all nursing staff. Just a thought. I'm curious though.
CapeCodMermaid, RN
6,090 Posts
In Massachusetts, an LPN or LVN can NOT be a director of nursing or director of nursing services. Whatever initials you use, the job is the same and to be a DON or DNS you have to be an RN.
debRN0417
511 Posts
The regulations state the DON/DNS whatever you call it, but the "leader of the nursing department" MUST be a Registered Nurse. She must be something else...I mean not a DON. Maybe she's a Unit Manager or ADON that they just gave a facny title to make the job more appealing. I was an ADON at on facility_ I mean that was my title- actually I was a glorified Unit Manager however, there was no glory....
pixie120
256 Posts
ONe can be LPN in Assisted Living,and be the "Director of Nursing Services",never mind that there are no other nurses, lol