Fairly New Nurse Considering ADON Position

[Blueberry36]

I am a fairly new RN, with just a little over a years experience as a nurse. I have working in an LTC facility since recieving my license and for the most part enjoy my job there. I was recently offered job as an ADON. I feel that it's a great opportunity. My question is with only a little over a years experience as a nurse, am I getting in over my head? Also I am concerned with long hours and whether or not I'll actually like the work. I love the "patient care" aspect of being a nurse and am concerned that that will be lost in this new position. As well I'm a little concerned that I will loose some of my still developing clinical and assesment skills. Any thoughts? Those of you who are ADON's, do you like your job?

[BerryhappyRN, MSN, RN]

I am a new ADON. I was a LPN for five years, earned my RN and was offered ADON position in less than a year. I've worked for 4 different companies as a nurse. When I applied at this new company, I was only interested in working the cart PRN but was offered the unadvertised ADON job. I was worried that I too wasn't ready, and intimidated by the title but I LOVE my new job. Being ADON is a little bit of floor nurse mixed with lots of paperwork and other admin duties. I am a strong nurse on the floor, and I have a wonderful DON who is building my administration knowledge. As long as you feel strong in dealing with families, staff, doctor's, helping your nurses as they need, and you are open to the HUGE administration learning curve, you will be fine. Make sure you understand what your DON needs, her/his strengths and weaknesses and that you complement each other. Your job will overlap into hers, but her's will rarely overlap into yours. Once she (he) teaches you how she wants something done, it is then yours to do. Help out your staff, get your job done (infx control, in-services, staff issues, etc) and make your DON look good. Overall, I find it a bit easier than strictly being on the cart.

Good luck and I recommend you take the jump, you can always go back to the floor.