A Heartfelt Apology to DON's

Published

Specializes in LTC.

As a newly off-the-floor ADON, who has finally seen a small sample of what the DON has to endure through the week, I must apologize. You see, my DON has been out of the facility all week. I got a taste of what DON's do in LTC, and I simply can not wait for her return. As a floor nurse, I never saw all of the "little things" that DON's have to address all day long every single day. I have not been able to get one solitary thing done that I'm responsible for due to the near constant barrage of vendors, sales reps, phone calls, staffing issues, angry staff/residents/family members that parade through my office and blow up my phone. I concede. I am beat. As a floor nurse, I am guilty of thinking that, "gee, it must be nice making all of that money just hanging out in the office." How ignorant I was! And for that, I apologize to all of my former DON's, and all DON's out there that do this day in and day out. I have only seen the tip of the ice burg, of that I am sure. I have a new found respect for all of you, and all that you do. Please accept my apology. I had no idea. But I am grateful for the experience, and that you are there doing what you do. Thank you.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I always tell the nurses who think I do nothing to walk a mile in my shoes. I took 3 days off from work. When I returned they all stood and applauded telling me they were SO happy I was back. It's nice to feel needed. I'm sure YOUR DON appreciates you.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
I always tell the nurses who think I do nothing to walk a mile in my shoes. I took 3 days off from work. When I returned they all stood and applauded telling me they were SO happy I was back. It's nice to feel needed. I'm sure YOUR DON appreciates you.

That's what my psychiatrist calls PPS---Positive Prayer Sign. In other words, "Thank GOD you're here!!" :yes:

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I have to agree.

As much as poop rolls downhill (and staff RN's get plenty of high-velocity poop on our heads...because the **** stops at the floor RN) the DON's get it too, if not more so.

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Specializes in MDS/ UR.

My 1 year experience was enough for me.

Never, ever again.

You got to have a certain kind of moxie and longevity for it.

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What a nice post to read. Yesterday as I sat with with my Nurses mtg I thought for a split second "I can't even get to the bathroom I am so busy and I have had to go for 2 hours." I had an irate Dr, an impromptu meeting with a family member, a staff member accused of something he didn't do by a charge nurse that was upet,my computer network went down, a bariatric patient crying because she wanted a regular wheelchair like everyone else, an interview that rudely was interrupted by a manager who thinks they walk on water, a no call no show leaving the 3-11 shift in a new frenzy and a PA who says she is missing 2 scripts! That was the unplanned stuff and it donned on me in the afternoon I had been unable once again for 2 hours to get myself to the bathroom. But...I love my job...I do and you are right....before I was a DON I thought the same thing. :yes:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
You got to have a certain kind of moxie and longevity for it.

I only has the moxie to be a supervisor, not a unit manager and certainly not a ADON or DON...I applaud those who CAN do it. :yes:

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
My 1 year experience was enough for me.

Never, ever again.

You got to have a certain kind of moxie and longevity for it.

I've been out of my DON position for 2 months. My blood pressure is down, my family likes me again. I wish I could say never again, but I fear my type A personality may forget how bad it really was.

In all fairness tho, it really does matter where you're at. I had nearly 2 years in an old run down building with fabulous staff...loved that job. Was offered a new position in brand new building and a significant pay increase. Worst mistake of my life & knew by week one I hated it.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, WCC.

I certainly hear what everyone is saying. We have all had those days that never seem to end, and the list of items you planned to do for the day did not get a dent in it. I realized years ago, that I could only perform my job if I had great staff to work with. That is why each and every day I tell them thank you for their work and also let them know i appreciate them. This just doesn't mean the nurse and CNA, but the housekeeper, dietary aide, etc. Without all of them, I would be nothing. I now work as a traveling DON, going into facilities for one to three months at a time. These are usually troubled facilities, and have many problems going on. The staff are usually leery when they see a new person, thinking change is on the horizon. My motto is, fix the problems and reinforce their current policies without trying to change everything. yes, taking complaints from staff, family, residents allows me to find out what the real issues are. I also report to the NHA or corporate what their issues are and critique key staff of their weaknesses. This is not fun, but I love my job.

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im contemplating a move with the thought behind me "the grass isn't always greener" however I believe my first installation of don was in one of those never again facilities. I too am doubting my decision but seem to think it may be the facility im at. I really enjoy management and loved being a unit manager.

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thank you! if only one of my employees could see what you did I would be extremely encouraged!

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