DON Positions

[lisa41rn]

I currently started a job in a LTC facility as an MDS Coordinator. While I'm excited to learn the postion, I met some nurses who believe I should try for the DON job they have open. I'll be receiving my MS in the next month, have about 4 years acute care experience before leaving staff nursing to take a CM position for the last couple years. While it was a tough decision to leave acute care, I believe LTC has so many more opportunities.

At first I shot down the idea of my taking the DON job, but then after thinking about it, am wondering if I should consider it. While I need to learn more of the rules and regs in LTC, my concern is being away from bedside nursing for a couple years. Can I handle that part of it? I've seen some DONs who end up having terrible nursing skills, but are great with budgets and managing issues that come up. I suppose the clinical part would all come back to me. Perhaps my biggest fear is that some of the staff are horrendous! I hate the idea of having to be responsible for them.

Is this idea of being a DON just a dream? Any suggestions?

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Without at least a few YEARS of experience in LTC you'd be setting yourself up for failure. Acute care is a whole different entity and the skill sets are different. There will be other opportunities. Get some more experience...start as a supervisor or assistant director. You'll be better off.

[lisa41rn]

I'm sure you're right. You think an ADON job would work? I thought I'd give it at least in a year in my current position and then consider it at that time. I really don't see the acting DON doing anything all that impressive but she's not the permanent DON so that could be part of it. It is an important position, so experience is important. Thx!

[noc4senuf]

Learning the ropes as an MDS coordinator is a good start. You will need that knowledge as a DON. Use this time to learn the regs. Get involved in your local DON chapter, most allow members to be not only DON.ADON's but also management. Sorry to tell you but, you will need to deal with ALL of the staff issues whether they are good or bad, which ends up takng up a majority of the position. Just because someone becomes a DON doesn't mean they lose their nursing skills. There are some of us who use them daily.