Hi! New ADON here!

Hi! I am a brand new ADON of a large (130 bed) subacute rehab/LTC facility. This is my second week. I have 5 years of experience in school nursing, m/s and IMC. My DON and admin are both really awesome and supportive and so far I like it. I'm very overwhelmed because I truly have never done anything like this before but I am excited for a challenge.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

Perhaps if you told us a little more about what you are overwhelmed with, we would be better prepared to give you some pointers.

[JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN]

Perhaps if you told us a little more about what you are overwhelmed with, we would be better prepared to give you some pointers.

I am/am feeling overwhelmed because I'm not really sure what to expect or what is expected of me. Floor nursing is so task oriented: you get your assignment, provide you care, do what you need to do. In my new position I am the only one here so I wasn't so sure what daily tasks I should be doing.

It wasn't a bad overwhelming feeling, more like just wondering about the unknown. I am getting more comfortable every day.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Do you have a job description? When I was the ADON I was in charge of the wound team, the falls team, the pain team...we had a lot of teams but not much team spirit. Ask your DON what she expects of you.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

Your DON should be a resource person regarding your exact job duties and what you should be monitoring and overseeing. If all they have done is to give you a title and say "Go get 'em", that isn't enough.