A bunch of questions...

[CoffeeRTC]

A little histoy for you I work in a 50 bed LTC unit for the last 9 years (Taking time off for materninty leave) I've worked as staff nurse, RNAC, Supervisor, and temp DON. The last 5 years I've been part time and prn. (Yes I've seen an incredible amt of turn -over in the nursing and DON positions) Questions... recently have a new DON who will not help the nursing staff out and only works part time hrs. We recently have a rash of call offs (cant use agency nurses) and only have 2 RNS and 2 staff LPNs to choose from (I'm part time and do help when I can) Is it unreasonable to think that the DON can help occasionally to fill a few hrs or even help out the charge nurse on a really busy day? Our building is really small and in the past our DON has pitched in to help (I now I did) sometimes just aswering the phone or making copies, or calling the drs.... Sooo the really question is How much involement does your DON have in nursing care???

Sorry this is soo long

[AlixCoastRN]

In Oregon the Board of Nursing/state regs state that an RN has to be in the building 7 days a week for 8 consecutive hours. Also that an RN must be 'available for consultation' 24/7. As an RCM (resident care manager) I take call about every 3rd weekend and we are fortunate to have an RN in the building (either charge or treatment nurse) every weekend. We rotate holidays, and the DON is oncall during the week. We have about 55 residents right now - 8 skilled, the rest ICF. Right now the other RCM is acting DON - our new one starts 9/2. This system works well for our building

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Well here's a little update... the DON has become a little more involved, She hired a bunch of her "friends" to help out in staffing the place. How fun is it to work with your bosses friends?? She's also had to work a few hrs on the floor, but it wasn't pretty (kept asking the LPNs how to do things) So she's coming around a little. Just wandering how the rest of the smaller facilities have done things. Thanks for all the imput!

[Momma_Penguin]

Wow that sux when the DON or ADON won't help. We have 2 good nurses in our place that will come out from their office and help us. They have worked as RN supers, fed people, helped w/ care. I know it's not every day but I know if I went asked them to help me w/ a resident..they would w/o a problem. I also think that it helps them to see how hard we all work on our shifts.