LPN as ADON in LTC

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2008

I know of an LPN that is an ADON in a nursing home.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jun 3, 2008

Maybe your state's scope of practice has the answer?

Is it that she is an LPN or are you concerned that she may be incapable of doing the job?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2008

I'm in Texas. Every single nursing home where I've ever been employed has utilized LPNs/LVNs as ADONs, with the exception of one facility. Promoting LPNs to managerial positions is more cost-effective to the corporate nursing home environment, and thus helps them meet their bottom lines.

In my state of residence, an LPN can supervise an RN administratively, but not clinically.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 3, 2008

I have remote experience in LTC (1995-1998) and have seen LPN's who hold ADON, unit manager, and in-service coordinator positions when I worked in that setting. However, MDS Coordinator positions are usually reserved for RN's although I've seen some places hire an LPN to do the assessments and had an RN (usually the DON) sign off on the forms.

antidote · Jun 3, 2008

With all do respect, and although I am not an LPN, I took this post a bit offensive to LPN's in the community.

I am confident that ANYONE, no matter what their title may be is capable of holding any position they have been assigned. Despite their certification and three letters or two, those letters mean NOTHING. It takes a certain person to handle an administrative job, and whether its an LPN, RN, MD or a MA... they are ALL capable of doing a job of such (if lawful of course).

In the chain of command (clinically) and LPN is below an RN. However again, if someone has the personal skills and abilities to do a job like this, administratively this is perfect acceptable.

mesa1979, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2008

LPN's are very educated. They are trained as bedside nurses. They actually spend more time in LTCF than most RN's during clinical. Who better to hold that position and I have found that some LPN's are more professional than some RN's. I think it's a great idea!

Pipsqueak, ADN · Jun 4, 2008

I THINK IT'S GREAT B/C THIS LPN LISTENS TO STAFF AND ACTUALLY DOES SOMETHING ABOUT IT. :

I'm not sure why some people are taking offense to this post. The OP was in no way degrading to LPN's, she was just simply asking a question.

I'm an LPN and I never knew anyone other than an RN could hold an ADON position. It just doesn't happen in my neck of the woods (with the exception of assisted living).

Xbox Live Addict · Jun 4, 2008

In my state, an LPN may hold any position in a nursing home except as a DON - so that the DON can count as the RN supervision mandated under the NPA. This varies from company to company, but in most nursing homes here, the only RNs you are likely to find are the DON and the weekend RN supervisor. Our Medicare law states that an RN must be on the premises 8 hours a day.

Technically, with the right training and education, it is possible for an LPN to be an administrator - but not a DON.

michaeltreetops · Jun 17, 2008

yes, it is legal as i hold this position with these credentials. I feel that titles mean nothing I know some rns that i would trust myself if i were left in their hands same for lpns ..some people get so hung up on titles. What does it matter as long as you do your job and do it well.:redbeathe

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

Yes, it is possible for an LPN to be an ADON in LTC. (Enough alphabet soup for you? :chuckle) I am a former ADON.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

every nursing home i have ever worked in has had a lvn for a adon except my current job. my personal opinion is a lvn probably has been the charge nurse on more than one floor and knows the patients inside and out. to me they make better adon's because they seem to personalize better with the other lvn's. if by chance my don and adon are reading this (which are both rn's)..dont get bent out of shape ya know i love ya......