ADON ready for promotion?

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Hi all! I am new to posting but have read countless posts over the past year. I am a nurse of nearly 20 years (LTC for 13) but an RN for only 3. I have been an ADON almost the entire 3 years as an RN and have learned so much. My question is this - when did you know you were ready to jump into the DON role? I feel I am ready but scared to death of the added responsibility at the same time!

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Gulf Coast- I am in a similar situation for you. You are never ready, lol. I am currently a DON and will be stepping into a new role soon. I found that after being the ADON for 2 years and then DON for 2 years that I do not want to be that person. You have to be passionate about being a leader, have great attention to detail, and be willing to be 100% responsible for everything in the facility. I recently read somewhere that you are never really ready for a promotion or you would already have the job- it's something you learn in time! Good luck for whatever you decide.

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What role will you be taking? Sorry just nosey. LOL

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

It's OK gulfcoast! I'm going into a teaching position. Much more suited to my abilities. I truly enjoy being a DON and manager, but I want to focus on my passion :)

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Bri, I think you would be great as a teacher. You always have good advice, and I'm sure your facility is going to miss you.

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Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

You may never feel you're ready to be the DON. I had every other job there was to have and wasn't even thinking about being the DON. I was the ADON when the DON pitched a major hissy fit and walked out the door. The corporate nurse came down and asked me to take over. That was almost 10 years ago. I've been the DON in many different buildings and finally I can say honestly, I truly love my job, but then again, I work for a wonderful, small, family owned company that let's me do what I think is best for the residents and staff(and we just had our first perfect survey). If you want to be a DON, just jump in and get it done. There are plenty of us on here who are very willing to give advice, unsolicited and otherwise.

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Thanks Cape Cod. I have a gut feeling the same is about to happen at my building after resurvey and the consultant has already assured me she thinks I am ready when an opportunity arises.

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Specializes in LTC, Education, Management, QAPI.

Gulfcoast- I fully believe that being a great DON is not whether or not you are prepared, it is what kind of person you are and what kind of nurse you are. It takes a lot out of you, I know. There are so many things you can accomplish with the right attitude. Just remember to *ALWAYS* ask questions, do not jump to conclusions, and give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I went from CNA to LPN to Charge Nurse, Supervisor, ADON, then DON and now Regional Education (lots of changes). It can be done, and all of us here will support you! I wish you the best of luck!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Good advice there, Bri:

"ALWAYS ask questions, do not jump to conclusions, and give everyone the benefit of the doubt."

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My nursing career sounds like CapeCod's. Was in a very similar situation. I too love what I do. Average size building for my area. Non profit. Not owned by a corporate (the only way to go) I too have autonomy. I agree. Jump in! Do no harm. Be sure what you do is safe, legal and fair. Read your Regs and your facility policies and like CC says.....we are here to help!

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