Job Drama: hate my new position as substitute ADON.

[Jo Dirt]

If anyone can take more drama on the Jo Dirt-hospital vs. nursing home drama I want to say, that I turned down a hospital job which promised a lot of excitement to stay at the nursing home after they hounded the snot out of me to stay. The ADON wanted to cut her hours back and teach me how to do her job when she is not there (a couple of days a week, the other two days I would be on the floor.) Anyway, seeing as I didn't think it was a good idea to uproot the kids and the nursing home hours would be better (for them) I reluctantly decided to stay.

I had my first full day as the stand-in ADON and I absolutely hated it. I feel like a paper shuffling pencil pusher. I thought there would be more to it, but all I've done is tally hours of nursing employees, shuffle papers and call families to report new med changes and fill out the assignment sheet for the nursing staff. Went to the daily meeting of department heads, nothing exciting. Day shift in an office is a different kind of chaos than working the floor. Charts being taken so you can't file papers, people crowded all over the place, nursing students everywhere. I find it dreadful, I don't feel like I can do much of this. I don't want to complain because I'm afraid Bob (the DON) will tell me I can go find another job.

After he kept on and on at me to stay.

New employee orientation at the hospital started this past Monday and Tuesday Nursing orientation starts this coming Monday and Tuesday. I was wondering if I contacted the CNO at the hospital if they would give me another chance? She knew I was struggling with the decision and it would be a huge move and she was very understanding.

Something will have to give, I'm going to go stone crazy over here.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

Just giving you a little sympathy because I completely get where you are coming from. I have worked in LTC for years and was offered a job in a hospital last year. I was very excited about it, but the family vetoed it due to the hours (7pm-7am). Unfortunately, they were probably right. It wouldn't have worked out for the family. I just started an ADON position 2 months ago and I am still trying to get adjusted to it. At least I was an MDS coordinator for years, so I am used to the pencil pushing. I am not used to everyone and anyone griping all day long at me. I fix one complaint and move on to the next - not much fun and having difficulty finding the job satisfaction in this.

Wish you the best.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I'd say to contact the CNO of the hospital and tell her what's up. The worst she can say is no, and she might accept you!

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I say try the hospital.

When I finally graduate, I'd hate to say that I went through my life working a job I didn't enjoy.....

Good luck!