DON interview

I am in PA and the ADON makes about 10% less then me. Hope this helps! Good luck...

So much depends on where you are. I get calls about positions in the Carolinas....sound nice until they tell me the salary is in the high $60's. Texas is around $80,000-90,000, Florida is in the $70's. In Massachusetts, it all depends on which end of the state you're in. It shouldn't just be about the money. I am well paid but the stress is killer. Be ready to give up much of your life and your private time to the facility.

I live in Texas and only get paid 70, but I get quarterly bonuses that are at 10% of salary, so the pay is pretty good. Like last post said, get ready to give up alot of your time. Being a DON is better for someone whos children are grown. Mine is a teen, and it is rough. Now looking, back, I wished I had waited before making that leap. I will keep trying to balance though.

Thanks for your input. I agree it isn't all about the money, but it is one of the reasons I am thinking of taking the plunge. My kids are 16 & 17 & I'm looking at hefty college bills in the very near future.

I had my first interview Friday. I liked the administrator - she has been at the same facility for several years. Tells me the department head with the least seniority has been there 5 years. It's a small facility with only 66 beds including the 22 medicare beds. She assures me that the unit managers are very well trained and completely manage their own units. The current DON is staying, but wants back on the floor. The DON apparently gets less than 5 calls/month at home. So if they're true to their word it should be a great facility to get my feet wet in.

I dont know about 5 calls a month? I get about 3 calls each night. But then again, I have the staff call me for every incident, and every grievance. Even if they just have a question, they know they can call me at 2 am.

When will you know one way or the other?

She has invited to the facility next week to take a tour and meet some of the department heads. Seems to be moving forward, but money has not been discussed yet.

Well now for a BIG decision...I got the job! Yeah for me! I got the salary I asked for! Yeah for me!

Now I just have to decide if I'm really going to take the job. No sleep for me tonight - Boo for me!

Thanks all for your input

I did it...I took the job. Start day April 13th. I am very excited.

I did it...I took the job. Start day April 13th. I am very excited.

Congratulations!

congrats to your decision, It was a brave one. I hard a hard time deciding to make the leap also, but now its in my blood. It can give you a giant boost of self confidence.