Management?

[danursern]

Hi

I've been a floor nurse all my career since 1995 LPN and in 1999 I received my RN. I do have a BS in health. I've been a floor nurse supervisor on an acute MS/Telemetry unit and in a LTC facility. Just overseeing the working of others and handling situational problems, but still pass meds etc., which I called a minor position.

I am at a point in my life now, a stage that I would like to step up into management. I've been offerred a position many times but quite fearfully said NO, because I was not ready. If one wanted to become a ADON Or anyone in a management type position how would they get a better understanding. What do ADON's do exactly? How would I learn how to do this position i.e. is there any resources?

[fluffwad]

What do ADON's do exactly? How would I learn how to do this position i.e. is there any resources?

What ADONs do depends on the facility. In most of the LTC places I've worked the ADON did disciplinary actions, scheduling, staffing. Some were also responsible for MDS co-ordination, care plan meetings, various committees like falls committee. You'll need to be familiar with all the regulations ( state and federal). Expect to be on-call. Expect to work longer, weirder hours.

How much training you get also varies A LOT on the facility. If it's a place you're already working at I'd look at how much support the DON / facility has historically provided esp. if MDS is involved and the company is expecting a decent RUG score. I'd also look at why the position is open.

There are associations for DONs out there, which would probably be a good resource.

[danursern]

What ADONs do depends on the facility. In most of the LTC places I've worked the ADON did disciplinary actions, scheduling, staffing. Some were also responsible for MDS co-ordination, care plan meetings, various committees like falls committee. You'll need to be familiar with all the regulations ( state and federal). Expect to be on-call. Expect to work longer, weirder hours.

How much training you get also varies A LOT on the facility. If it's a place you're already working at I'd look at how much support the DON / facility has historically provided esp. if MDS is involved and the company is expecting a decent RUG score. I'd also look at why the position is open.

There are associations for DONs out there, which would probably be a good resource.

There is no ADON here and hasn't been for over a year. The facility is under rebuilding and reorganizing. We have a Staff Development Cord/Scdeduling,

and MDS Cord. Here is the thing where do I learn all state federal regs? I literally have trouble with the MDS stuff I tried to learn it once through the Website that offers certification. it seems so complicated.

[fluffwad]

Here is the thing where do I learn all state federal regs? I literally have trouble with the MDS stuff I tried to learn it once through the Website that offers certification. it seems so complicated.

The MDS is complicated....I'm certified for it, and it's the kind of thing you probably can't learn on the outside and just start doing it. It's best to get a job where they will train you. Same thing for ADON.

Anything where medicaid / medicare is involved is complicated. All the regulations can be found at the CMS website (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/ )............but I have to say finding what you want at the CMS site is a massive PITA and just reading this stuff won't really prepare you for the job.