Gaining experience

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Happy New Year! I am hoping that 2013 holds many new opportunities for me. I am looking to advance my leadership and managerial skills by seeking an ADON or a DON position. I have a BSN and I am planning to start my MSN program in the spring. The program I am interested has a focus in nursing administration and leadership. I have six years of LTC experience as an RN supervisor, MDS coordinator (RAC-CT), and nurse manager of LTC and STR. I have developed policies and procedures, educated and disciplined staff, worked with union and non-union staff, developed and implemented new programs, and completed audits for quality assurance. I have excellent written and verbal communication skills. I am energetic, adaptable, eager to learn, and looking for growth. I am 33, and I sometimes feel like my youth makes me seem inexperienced; so I maintain a very high level of professionalism to offset this. My main question is, how do I make myself attractive to employers for this type of role? Without previous ADON or DON experience, I feel at a disadvantage. These roles are secure at my current company, so holding out here is going to take longer than I would be willing to wait. How can I be successful and competitive in landing a higher responsibility role? Any help or insight you may have is greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

Simply start applying for open positions. Everything you said in your post indicates you have enough experience to continue to work your way up the ladder. Go to the interview and share these experiences and show your enthusiasim for an opportunity to advance your career. Good luck

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I agree and share your confience. They will look for that. Be kind, polite and confident.

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Some resumes have gone out. Thanks for the confidence boost. Spending my day off polishing the entrance essay for the masters program.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Get your resume together and contact a recruiter. If you're serious about moving up, they can help. BUT..are you sure you can manage a huge change in career responsibility and a Master's program?

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I think I can. During my BSN program we moved- (twice) sold our house faster than anticipated and had to spend six months with my parents before getting into our new home (four adults, three kids two dogs and two cats that hated each other under one roof !!!) changed the kids schools, I changed jobs (twice, a very long and very sad story the company I left was dangerous and ended up with an IJ after I left). I took a huge financial step backward to get out of an 80 mile round trip commute and an out of control environment. I'm closer to home now, my commute is only 20 minutes, but my job has no growth. I like running rehab, but it's not where I can see myself, even in five years. Plus the pay cut stings. I pull really high grades and I am strong writer. Even with all the happenings last year ( good riddance 2012) I managed to get out of school only taking 2 A-. I had a 3.925 and made Highest Honors. If the job is closer to home and the pay is good, I will make it work. I'm ready to have something to call my own. I want pride of ownership and I really just want to prove to myself that I can accomplish it. Plus, the program I'm looking at is geared toward adult learners and it is a requirement to be employed full time. We focus on one class at a time, instead of juggling multiple courses per semester. After last year, I think I can succeed at almost anything. Heck, maybe ill sign up for a triathlon too.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Your post sounds really good and you sound really positive and assured. But CCM is really on point. That will be a LOT to manage.

This is just my opinion - with your E & E credentials, the DON position might just be what you're seeking.

Good luck with 2013.

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Thanks. I hope 2013 is a better year. I'm not seeking very hard, but if something close comes up I em to apply. I live in a rural county, and options are limited. Even with the ability to drive 80 miles to the city, options for the top jobs are limited. I'm content to wait it out until the right opportunity comes along. Just not forever.

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