DON switch from LTC to ALF

Specialties LTC Directors

Published

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

I recently left my DON position because of some problems that I could not change. In short, they did not want me around. I turned in resignation and was told that I was in good standing. Got that in writing. I have an interview next week as a Wellness Director in ALF. Does anyone think this could be a good fit for me. I really dont know what to expect, as hving never worked in ALF. I was told that it was a salaried position and on call 24 hrs, just for clinical issues. Flexible hrs, making my own schedule, working chart audits, MAR cks, training, orienting and delegation of tasks. This is a FT position. They have PSA's that take care of residents who also give out meds. It sounds like I will be the only one in facility besides the PSA's. Facility census 38. They do not take Medicare or Medicaid, private pay only. Sounds good to not have to manage 14 nurses and 23CNA's plus 4 cma's. But would like to talk to someone who has done this. Trying to get more info before the interview.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

when you say wellness dir... that sounds like how Brookdale Senior Living advertises. You are also responsible for all care plans, assessments, etc.... on-call 24/7.

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

Not Brookdale, but pretty much the same duties as you mentioned. Do you have any idea

what a salaried position like that should pay. I was offered only 32 hrs salaried, and as you and

I know, you end up working 45 -50 hrs at least. If they pay me 25.00 for 32 hrs, and I worked long hrs, I

would only end up making 17.00/hr. Thats terrible. I could live with less, if the job is less stressful than

LTC. As a DON, I made twice that much and worked 58 hrs/wk average. AS a DON, by the time I figured my hrs, I was

only making 21.oo/hr.

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

The interview went well, but they are still just offering me 32 hrs a wk at salary. The hrs are 40 plus.

I have an interview for a DON position today as well. Thats really where I want to be. Wish me luck in starting over!

Thanks to everyone who advised and replied to my post.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care - MDS.

AM, be care about the wellness director position. I knew an RN who left MDS for something less stressful in the same type of position. She was literally responsible for all the residents medical care. PSAs can not assess a patient. Can you trust someone not trained to tell you what is really going on and make a decision over the phone that may cost you your license? If a PSA makes a mistake, it is on your license as well. You vouch for their competency. Do you know and trust each and every one of them? My coworker didn't stay two weeks, too risky.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care - MDS.

by the way,a m, i read your previous thread and it broke my heart. another friend, who is a new DON is having a hard time and i told her to get on this site, read what others have to say, get support and feel lucky she wasn't going thru what you went thru.

i HATE politics. there is NO place for it in healthcare. that's not why we became nurses. And good luck on your other interview. I'm sure you're a great DON!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, MS, REHAB, HOSP ICE, LTC DON.
by the way,a m, i read your previous thread and it broke my heart. another friend, who is a new DON is having a hard time and i told her to get on this site, read what others have to say, get support and feel lucky she wasn't going thru what you went thru.

i HATE politics. there is NO place for it in healthcare. that's not why we became nurses. And good luck on your other interview. I'm sure you're a great DON!

Thanks everyone, I woke up this morning to this email. That last comment really made me feel good.

I know I did the right thing now, even though I had to pull out two chairs at home and visibly place people

in them to say what I really wanted to say, but couldnt. It took a huge weight off my shoulders that day.

I have cried every morning before that. I didnt hear back from the WD position, but I have decided its too

risky. The PSA's are not certified at all in giving meds, everything must be delegated to them. The pay is

way too low for such a huge resposibility. I have an interview at another facilty for DON this week, I hope

I can get the job. I will be hard though, seeing as how others out there have had years of experienece,

but you have to start somewhere. IF not, its back to med surg for me until something else comes up.

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

I just got a call from ADM about the DON position. They want me to take a Wislow test, anyone ever took one. I think its like the Briggs Myer personality test. I guess its good that they are taking all precautions, and not just jumping at any warm body. Maybe this means I have a chance, that they are asking me further questions about myself. Im not sure when the test will be, she sad someone will be contacting me from HR.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care - MDS.

whatever you decide to do you will be great, because you CARE! that is the most important quality. maybe sometimes, new blood is needed and your background in med/surg is a plus. My DON friend told me that a lot of her job is fiscal mgmt. I say safe mgmt and i know she feels the same way. she puts in lots of hours, but i think at the end of the day feels good about the outcome. A team that pulls together and has the same values is such an asset. good luck in whatever you decide. sharon

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in long term care - MDS.

i just read a quick article on www.thecoachbuilders.com about this wislow test, might be helpful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment