considering applying for DON position

May be moving out of a large metroplex to a small rural area, with limited nursing positions. Considering applying for a LTC DON position, but have no idea if I'd even be considered. Would like feedback on what my learning curves would need to be, and what are the typical challenges a DON faces.

Background: MSN (Clinical Nurse Leader), 8 years outpatient procedures/surgeries, 3 years SICU, 1 year Periop Clinical Specialist (lateral specialist for large hospital Periop: OR, SPD, PACU, Pre-op, Endo, IR, Procedures; includes TJC condition rectification/policies, EBP, PI work, staff education and new equipment and policy role outs, etc.)

I have always LIKED the elderly; used to go an play the piano and sing once a week when I was a kid, at a LTC. I did not care for it as a nursing student, but I was concerned about my med passes, as this was the focus of that semester, lol.

Position would be for a state-run veteran's home, fairly good employee reviews on line, but voice typical problems like call ins, double shifts.

Do you have to have worked in LTC to become a DON? Any advice, and or probing questions is greatly appreciated. I think two of my best qualities to make me successful would be that I am fair (don't play favorites) and that I learn very quickly (all the regulations I would need to get up to speed on quickly).

Thanks!