Need advice from an ADON or DON

Specialties LTC Directors

Published

I am a fairly new LVN, I got my license in August, and I got a job in November. I am truly grateful to have even found, but prior to applying for a position at the LTC facility that I was hired at, I had applied for an RN program at my local community college, because I thought that it would take a long time to find a job, and I wanted to be proactive. Now, I just recently found out that I was accepted into the RN program and can start in January.

I was hired for PMs, so if I accepted the spot in the RN program, then 2X a week (tue and wed) I wouldn’t get out of class until 3pm (I could get to work at 3:30 but I don’t know if that’s even an option) and the pm shift starts at 2:30 pm.

I’m still on probation, and I work in an at will state. As an ADON or DON, what do you suggest that I do? Is it worth it

to even bring my acceptance up with them, or should I wait until I have more time at my job, and re-apply next year?

Thanks for your advice!

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

You won't know until you ask. When I was DON, I willingly worked with my staff who were trying to continue their education.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Don't wait till next year. Who knows if you'll be allowed to go to school then. Talk to the DON. Maybe you can play let's make a deal. I've tried to be flexible with staff members who were in school. YOUR education not only benefits you, it benefits the residents you're taking care of today.

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Thanks! I think this is what I'll do tomorrow when I go to work. I just don't want them to think that I intentionally misled them when I was hired, and don't want them to think that I am not committed to my job. Also, I would need to get my physical and titers and everything done for school (if I accepted) by next Friday, so I have to decide ASAP.

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Also, I was hired part time, which is how all staff is hired, and they promote to full time as positions become available. I'm not sure if this should make a difference in my decision.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

Go for it. Talk to your boss, explain your situation and, as someone else said, play "let's make a deal" with her.

Do not give up an opportunity to further your education...life changes fast and you may never get another chance.

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As a ex ADON i have to tell you this. First off any place would want you to further your education. Now if i was your ADON and after i ran it past the DON.

I would tell you on your class days you can come in at 4:00 but you will have to stay a bit longer to make up the hour or so. Or i might give you 3 -12 hr days to offset the time during the week so you don't have to worry about coming in Mon - Thurs. But before i tell you to do that i would want to see proof that you are indeed in clinical's or in class.

See the problem is People are just that people and how do i know your really in class or not. You might want that extra time for personal or your working a second job and you need extra time for that. See my point if i make an exception for you others might want the same thing. Remember this if it's not in writing it's not happening. I hope this helps. These are my thoughts use them as you wish

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