New ADON

[june2009]

Hello everyone! I have been a nurse for 14 years (LPN for 9 years, RN for the rest of the time). The majority of my experiene has been in LTC and LTAC. (I worked critical care when I first got out of my RN program for 9 months). I have been working at my current position for a little over a year now. I started out as a floor nurse then became a supervisor. A few days ago, my DON pulled me in to her office and told me that the current ADON is stepping down and she would very much like me to take over. I'm really excited and also a little nervous too. I would appreciate some advice and words of wisdom. Right now moral is low due to increased CNA and nurse resident care loads. I want to try to create some unity between staff instead of "this shift did this" or "this nurse did that." I want to create teamwork and a positive environment for the staff. I believe that will increase the quality of resident care. Let me know what you guys think!

Michelle

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

The best way to foster team work is to BE part of the team. Many times people who get promoted forget what it is like to be on the units doing the work. Help when you can but don't let anyone take advantage of you. Good luck.