DON of LTC: What's needed/Worth It?

Blackcat99 · Apr 13, 2005

The hardest part is even finding a good LTC facility. Most LTC facilities are chronically understaffed. Good luck :wink2:

donmomofnine · Apr 17, 2005

Blackcat is correct! If you find the right place, as I have, it can be a terrific job! I love leading people, mentoring people, caring for them. I like being able to make a difference for our residents. You need to be balanced between task and people orientation. You need to be organized and able to delegate. You need an awesome administrator, as I have.

My best preparation for this job was raising nine children, along with fifteen years of LTC experience. I LOVE my job! The pay ~ financially ~ is fair. The pay in fulfillment is awesome!:)

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 17, 2005

I worked 60-70 hour weeks and got paid for 40. I was on-call 24/7. I took work home with me and went in on weekends to do other work because it was quieter. I worked the floor when we were short, which was at least once a week. And when we had a bad survey because the previous several DONs and/or administrators hadn't done their jobs, Corporate kicked me to the curb.

If you want a position like this, just be sure it's with a facility you've researched thoroughly.........read their survey results online, check their financial status, see if they have complaints pending against them. Speak with their nursing staff and find out how well they're being treated. Look at the residents, too---do they look well-cared for, are they clean and comfortable, do the staff attend to their needs quickly?

Good luck. :)

donmomofnine · Apr 17, 2005

Look for not-for-profit, church based facilities.

debRN0417 · Apr 17, 2005

I worked 60-70 hour weeks and got paid for 40. I was on-call 24/7. I took work home with me and went in on weekends to do other work because it was quieter. I worked the floor when we were short, which was at least once a week. And when we had a bad survey because the previous several DONs and/or administrators hadn't done their jobs, Corporate kicked me to the curb.
If you want a position like this, just be sure it's with a facility you've researched thoroughly.........read their survey results online, check their financial status, see if they have complaints pending against them. Speak with their nursing staff and find out how well they're being treated. Look at the residents, too---do they look well-cared for, are they clean and comfortable, do the staff attend to their needs quickly?
Good luck. :)

My experience was similar. Be sure you know your administrator, they can make you or break you also. I loved my staff and residents but I hated my role, because of what my administrator and corporate made of it. Spending 70+ hours a week, paid for 40, on call 24/7....YUCK..I got out and I'm so glad I did... Good luck to you.