Director of Nursing position

Specialties Management

Published

Specializes in Medical-Telemetry.

I currently work as a Clinical Care Coordinator in a 60-bed skilled nursing facility. A Clinical Care Coordinator encompasses the role of a charge nurse, unit manager, and ADON. I've been in this position for two months now.

My Regional DON visited the other day and made a comment that I would make a great DON. I, of course, said thank you and explained to her that that is my goal in the next couple of years and she said "probably much sooner than that!" and she then suggested that I apply to the sister facility in my company because the DON position is available. The other facility is a 140 bed facility, which includes long-term and short-term rehab. I have worked both settings.

My nursing background includes 2 years as an LPN in long-term/short-term rehab and 3.5 years as an RN on a Medical-Telemetry floor. I got the job as a Clinical Care Coordinator as soon as I got my BSN. Also, I am only 25 years old.

My dilemma is that I feel like I would leave a bad impression leaving my facility so soon but I don't know the next time this opportunity will become available!! I am tempted to apply like my Regional DON suggested.

Any input would be appreciated.

Also, roughly how much do DONs make in Florida? I understand it will be a lot of responsibility so I'm just trying to get an idea of whether it would be worth it to apply at this. Thank you all so much.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Something I'd want to know - why did the other DON leave and how's the reputation/survey status of that facility?

You might not want to jump into a Dante's inferno.

You may truly have good potential for the position as your corp consultant comments. And then she could just be looking for a body to fill the position and hope that you will work out.

DON is a stressful position and I'm just cautious.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Two months in management? I wouldn't think that'd be enough to run a large building. Don't worry...there are always openings for DONs in LTC. I get on average 5 calls a month from recruiters.

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Specializes in Medical-Telemetry.

The reputation is better than the facility I am currently in. They didn't do too poorly last year in their survey. They only received a hand full of minor tags.

There are other applicants so I may or may not get it...but it's definitely an opportunity I do not want to miss! Thanks for your feedback :)

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Specializes in Medical-Telemetry.

Yes, only two months but my Regional DON seems to think I would do well. I'm enjoying my position now but it's not challenging for me...just tedious.

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