Applied for ADON and DON is a new nurse

[BoomerRN]

Recently, I applied for the position of ADON at a nursing home. I have been to three interviews--one with the DON, one with the administrator and one with the corporate nurse. I have about 25 years experience working in longterm care. The concern I have is the DON is a new nurse and has admitted not knowing very much about longterm care and would like to hire someone who has the experience so she can learn from that person. This place has 109 beds and the DON mentioned she had worked 3 shifts that week due to call ins. The DON is not supposed to work as a charge nurse if there are over 60 beds. She didn't know this and the administrator didn't tell her.

I'm not sure if I want this position now, as I am worried about the liability that may be involved and other things.

What are your thoughts? Thanks.

[noc4senuf]

I can't believe that they put a new nurse into a DON position. I certainly would look elsewhere.

[Straydandelion]

I also believe I would be VERY hesitant to work there.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

RUN---do not walk---away from this position just as fast as you can. For one thing, if they were so desperate they had to hire a new nurse as DON, that says a lot about their ability to keep any sort of staff. For another, YOU will end up being the one who works every shift when someone calls in (and that, as you know, is a very frequent occurrence in LTC). You will also be used in every manner possible, and once you get burned out, they will throw you under the bus first chance they get.

I think you really have to have worked in some bad LTCs to know what it's like to be in a good one, and you sound like you've BTDT. Be wise, and let this 'opportunity' pass.......there'll be another.

[BoomerRN]

I gave them an answer of "No Thanks" already. I can't believe that they would put a new nurse in as DON. She told me the first DON left and the administrator gave the job to her. She had been the ADON there for a few months prior to this, (her first job after graduating!!). I feel sorry for her because she really is green and I told her that she can get an experienced ADON, but in the end she is responsible for what goes on there. Her interview techniques are rough also. She brought up the age factor. If I was a mean person, I would turn her in for discrimination, but I'm not. And-- the state is due any day!

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

.. I would be VERY hesitant to work there.

Ditto.

Further up the risk factor the day the auditors arrive.

[achot chavi]

... She brought up the age factor. If I was a mean person, I would turn her in for discrimination, but I'm not. And-- the state is due any day!

I would have turned her in!!! What unmitigated gall!!! still green not just behind her ears.... She doesn't deserve her position and I pity the patients left in her care. I am glad you didn't take the position, you deserve better!!

[debRN0417]

I can't imagine a new grad being given the position of DON, nor can I imagine a new grad taking that responsibility. She knows nothing of LTC, the regs- does she know what substandard means and what it can do to one's license? After 29 years as an RN it scares the hell out of me!

[caliotter3]

I think you would be the brawn behind the DON and you may not want the headache. I actually worked at a place where the brawn behind the scenes was an LVN. That was not a good situation for the other employees. If you are going to be the one with the real responsibility, you should be getting paid for it. That's how I see it.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

It was a good thing you turned down that position, seems that trouble was lurking in many areas. I am not so sure I would allow the age remark to go unnoted. She is in a position of power and needs to deal with all sorts of people, young and old in a more professional manner. Good luck on the job hunt.

[BoomerRN]

The administrator has been around the area for years. I recognized her name. So, she should know better than to put a new nurse in the DON position. I could have taken the job and for a while thought I might, but having gone around the block a time or two in my career, decided not to step into a hornet's nest. I have worked in long term care since 1979, with 8 years in between working in clinical research, and have seen it go steadily downhill. The state regulations have gotten ridiculous and there is no way you can possibly complete everything and give some quality time and attention to the residents. It's a shame.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

The fact that an inexperienced nurse is DON says a lot about this employer. Either they don't pay their staff enough to attract or retain anyone qualified, or the working conditions are so bad that everyone leaves. I have been in positions in which I have trained and basically carried my supervisor, and it leads to a lot of frustration and resentment. I would pass on this job, and quickly.