Just accepted Unit Manager Position with no LTC experience....

LTCRN4LIFE · Feb 28, 2014

My mouth is hanging open that any company would (unless they were a SFF) be in such a predicament. That is really tough. To me, the tough position you are in is that you need to follow the direction of the DNS and she is so new herself. I hope you two are capable of forming a very fast bond because you are going to have to be her right hand as well as learn a new job and set of rules and regulations.

Well if I was starting in your situation I would learn the state/federal regs and review the Policies and Procedures and become familiar with the resources. Make sure the residents are receiving prompt, quality care and their medical needs are being met. Learn your reporting system so you are ready should you have an issue and then focus on the Quality Measures. You should have an understanding of all of that but this should be driven by the DNS.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Mar 1, 2014

I'm flabbergasted .... start with the basics...weights, skin checks, med pass, care plans. Find the results of the last DPH survey and make sure all the plans of correction are being followed. One step at a time.

One question: Are you nuts???

Junebug59, RN · Mar 10, 2014

yes I am nuts.... the reason I took this job, was because I am in IPN and really don't have much of a choice. I was lucky to get this job as far being employed is considered. I do believe though, after my 90 day probation, I need to transfer within the corporation to another facility that is organized and step down to a Clinical RN position..... do a 6 month or 1 year stint and it's back to the O.R. for me!!! God help me....... BTW, the DON quit Thursday...... this place had 5 people quit in one week. last week, 7 CNA's called in sick........ OMG..... please pray for me that I find another job......

Blackcat99 · Mar 10, 2014

Your facility sounds just like mine!!! They had hired an ADON who had never ever worked LTC as a nurse. She took off doctors orders to "help the floor nurses"

Unfortunately, 90% of the medication orders she took off including insulin were incorrect!!!! It was shocking!!! After 6 months, they finally got rid of her. It seems we get "new management" every 3 months. Nothing has changed. The same CNA's always call in sick on the week-ends and nothing is done about it.

Blackcat99 · Mar 10, 2014

OOPS. I thought I was in the LTC section:eek:I am not a ADON/DON and have no business posting here.

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Mar 10, 2014

Are you an LPN? or is there an IPN? Never saw that before.

pinkiepieRN · Mar 17, 2014

Are you an LPN? or is there an IPN? Never saw that before.

I believe she's referring to IPN as "Intervention Project for Nurses" or something similar. It's like mandated substance abuse testing/counseling and they place restrictions on your license, like not being permitted to work around narcotics and such. I'm simplifying, obviously, but that's my understanding of IPN.

Junebug59, RN · Mar 17, 2014

I did step down and am no longer the unit manager. I am now a clinical RN. yes, you are correct. IPN is a monitored program for nurses in recovery.

twinsmom788 · Apr 15, 2014

Best of luck to you. I have worked with a few nurses in your situation and they did fine and most were promoted. Keep us posted!

noc4senuf · Apr 18, 2014

There is some corporations out there that have continual turnover in management positions non-stop. having been working as an interim DON, it does keep me employed going into these buildings. Since you have now stepped down, learn your residents and routines well. Follow policies and procedures, and get the most out of this experience. You may come to find out that LTC is a wonderful place to be. Good Luck with your new position.

NurseGuyBri · Jun 14, 2014

Virgojd,

It's been a while since you posted, I wanted to see how it was going!?