DON interview

Specialties LTC Directors

Published

I think after all of this time, I am ready to take the leap - I must have finally lost my mind.

Anyways, I have a DON interview tomorrow. I know you all can't help me with the salary because it varies to much around the country, but how much of a % increase do you think I can reasonably ask for from my current ADON salary? I'm thinking 7-10%.

Opinions please

Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

congrats to your decision, It was a brave one. I hard a hard time deciding to make the leap also, but now its in my blood. It can give you a giant boost of self confidence.

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Congrats, and I hope they are true to their words. You sound ready and are going into with eyes wide open.. Nothing beats that.

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Specializes in R.N. Med-Surg, LTC, Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Congrats, on taking the job, how do you like it so far?

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
Congrats, on taking the job, how do you like it so far?

Thanks for asking! So far it is going great. The most challenging part has been learning all new staff and resident names, along with all their individual quirks.

I've been in LTC my entire adult life and in nsg admin positions for 17 years. My previous DON was a very good friend/mentor who also happened to have tons of vacation time and such every year which often left me on my own so this job is nothing really new. I expect to encounter all the good, the bad and the ugly. I just miss having my buddy to bounce ideas off of on a whim! I'm not sure who is friend/foe in a new place.

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.

So NN, How is the new job going? Is it all that you prepared for?

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
So NN, How is the new job going? Is it all that you prepared for?

You must have missed my post right above yours - LOL. Thanks for asking though. It is so nice to have a community here as well that I can bounce questions/ideas around. I'm sure I'm going to need you all when the sh** hits the fan & it surely will.

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
You must have missed my post right above yours - LOL. Thanks for asking though. It is so nice to have a community here as well that I can bounce questions/ideas around. I'm sure I'm going to need you all when the sh** hits the fan & it surely will.

Yes, I missed it, And I totally understand you to be cautious who is friend and who to keep at bay. Be careful but be proactive. You are leading the wagon not reacting to it. When s*** hits, just step over it and keep leading. Dont get muddled in it. OTOH, it is smart to keep your eyes and ears open, etc.

Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
Yes, I missed it, And I totally understand you to be cautious who is friend and who to keep at bay. Be careful but be proactive. You are leading the wagon not reacting to it. When s*** hits, just step over it and keep leading. Dont get muddled in it. OTOH, it is smart to keep your eyes and ears open, etc.

Good luck!

Thanks a bunch. All great advice!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.

I know you had friends before because you stated you had been in LTC for 17 yrs. But now, its different.

You are their leader, not their friend. Just be careful. I say, trust no one. Cozy up to your administrator, but do not shaRE ANYTHING PERSONAL with your employees. And yes, S--ht will hit the fan. Takes about 3 months,. but trust me on this one, it will. Be proactive, like prev post said. Iam glad its working for you. It does take a special strong person. Just wasnt for me. Personally, Im glad Im out of it. No more stress !

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Specializes in Director of Nursing.

Congrats on the job "Nascar nurse, however this is an older post. I am here in this forum seeking info too.. I have been a nurse for 20 yrs. mostly hospital exp. only been in LTC one year. I too am moving forward in the interview process. 2nd interview is Monday. I am curious about the pay as well. Made 65k as a RCM what should I expect as a DNS? Any other advice or suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you,

Harley

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
Congrats on the job "Nascar nurse, however this is an older post. I am here in this forum seeking info too.. I have been a nurse for 20 yrs. mostly hospital exp. only been in LTC one year. I too am moving forward in the interview process. 2nd interview is Monday. I am curious about the pay as well. Made 65k as a RCM what should I expect as a DNS? Any other advice or suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you,

Harley

Awe - I'm so glad you brought this thread back up. I just quit this DON job last week and have now moved on to a bigger and brand new building. I was so lucky to land this job as a first DON job. It actually was everything they promised it would be and it was a nice well run facility to learn the ropes as a DON. As a result I did learn a lot and grew confidence in my ability to be a leader. I just hope I'm not going to regret leaving this place.

As far as your salary question, it will all depend on where you live. What is a RCM?

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Specializes in Director of Nursing.

An RCM is a resident care manager, you manage your unit and do all your reports and MDS....Good Luck in your new building, I got the scoop from several work friends and my personal references that they all got the call yesterday asking about me and my ability to do the DON position. I am going back today for the final time (interview) they told me that after todays interview they would either tell me I have the job or.... not. It sounds good so far, I think. I am being open and praying alot for guideance and wisdom and of course patience in this new position. I have set my mind on a goal salary of 75-80k. We shall see.

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