DON and filling in for staff

[mercy1975]

1. As a DON of LTC how often do you have to be the "company pool" for staff who call in. Right now I"m charge nurse for 4.5 hours per week not counting the call ins. I'm new to this position and have had to start from scratch since the facility was so non-compliant with state and federal regulations so I have alot on my plate.

What is the average time you work the floor ?

[noc4senuf]

Federal reg...... a DON can only serve as Charge when the facility has fewer than 60 residents in it.

[achot chavi]

Federal reg...... a DON can only serve as Charge when the facility has fewer than 60 residents in it.

does that mean the DON can be Janitor, CNA or launderer?

I think the essence of the ;law is that when a facility has more than 60 pts, its DON responsibilities outweigh the ability to be both DON and Charge.

I agree- as ADON, when I work a floor- all the nurse automatically turn to me as charge- even the charge nurse if she is there. Its not an ego thing, its a matter of who can solve problems efficiently. The pts as well..,

[noc4senuf]

It comes down to what your individual surveyors will look at. Ours will check to see and make sure the DON is never the Charge nurse.

[debRN0417]

does that mean the DON can be Janitor, CNA or launderer?

I think the essence of the ;law is that when a facility has more than 60 pts, its DON responsibilities outweigh the ability to be both DON and Charge.

I agree- as ADON, when I work a floor- all the nurse automatically turn to me as charge- even the charge nurse if she is there. Its not an ego thing, its a matter of who can solve problems efficiently. The pts as well..,

I agree...more than 60 beds and the responsibilities of DON are too much to serve in a dual role....although 60 beds or less can be a nightmare a well....