Interviewing for an ADON job.....

[nurse1109]

I am interviewing for an ADON job. I have been an RN for 4yrs now and have worked LTC, PACU and currently Acute rehab at a hospital. When I worked LTC I knew my long term goals were management preferably LTC. I only left because the hospital pay and benefits were better and was offered a job no weekends. In my current job I am an alternate Charge Nurse, I am involved in all aspects of my patients care (toileting, meds, tx's, assessment) and I write their care plan and attend team conference meetings twice a week and set FIM scores and goals for them. My question is am I out of my league in applying to be an ADON since I have never held a full-time supervisor role? I know enough about LTC to work the floor ( and after 2 days of training was on my own and did a pretty good job). I just don't want to be in over my head. I have not had any children yet and would like to start a family in the near future. In this role will I be on call all the time? Is it as crazy/stressful as the other posts on here make the DON role sound? I know I do not want to be a floor nurse forever, I just know it is not for me. I am a fast learner and very organized and detail oriented, I don't want to pass up a good career opportunity if offered. Any advice would be appreciated!

[CruiserRNCRC]

Before looking for an ADON position, consider a unit manager position ("day supervisor" responsible for 50-60 beds). It will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to be a successful ADON.

[nurse1109]

I agree. I have had my first interview. This facility has 2 unit managers, I wonder why they would not want the position as the company policy is to promote within first.