Assistant Director of Nursing Hospital vs LTC facility

[guest966516]

Hello,

I'm considering taking an Assistant Director of Nursing position in a well-known, large hospital system. I have many years experience in ICU and floor as well as Oncology. I see threads on ADON's in LTC facilities and Nursing homes, but nothing on Assistant Director of nursing in a Hospital setting.

This would be my first "official" position in management, although I have essentially done the work of Nurse Administration whilst working at various places as Charge Nurse.

Can anyone provide any insight? I figured it is similar to Nurse Administration, but curious to hear real-world perspectives.  Thanks!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

OP: When you write that you are "considering" these positions, were you offered these positions?    To gain a better understanding of either position, it is a good idea to talk to the recruiters and (if you will be given access prior to your interview) the hiring managers of those positions. 

In my experience, I have seen that an assistant director of nursing within a large hospital setting usually requires work experience and success in a similar areas of leadership and oversight.  In other words, it is not an entry-level managerial position.  For example, an assistant director of nursing of a large hospital system are usually given the tasks of providing oversight of several departments, programs, and projects and lead those areas to meet strategic goals.  There may be another of you or it may just be you.  You will work closely with and report directly to the director of nursing as well as you may report to the CNE/CFO/COO (those could be multiple people or combined roles). 

On the other hand, on a smaller level if you live somewhere in the country where the title of department managers of nursing is director of nursing within the hospital setting (I experienced this as well), an assistant director of nursing is an entry-level position.  Similarly, within a SNF, it may be possible to accept an assistant director of nursing position as an entry-level managerial position of one SNF (so similar to being an assistant nurse manger of one department within a hospital setting).  A good place to learn more about ADON positions other than the recruiter is to visit the LTC: Directors / Assistant forum: allnurses.com/LTC-directors-assistant-c161/.  Good luck!