New ADON feeling inadequate

[RainRN1, ASN, RN]

I have been in LTC since 1991 started out as an aide, LPN, and have been an RN since 2010. I have been head of MDS department since 1998. I recently took an ADON position, I absolutely love my new job and the people I work with right along with the ancillary departments. However I feel like I am not doing enough to help the DON. She says I am fine but after all of these years in LTC I can honestly say I have never felt so inadequate at my job. I did not get much training which is alright. Can someone give me some ideas of what you expect of your ADON ?? Mine says I am doing fine but I really want to do a good job for her, she is a great DON.

Thank You

[NorCaliRN]

I am in a similar situation. I "grew up" in long term care, from CNA, to LVN, to RN. I've accepted an ADON position, and am in my first week of orientation. My DON hasn't had much time to show me what she expects me to do and I'm starting to feel like I've bitten off more than I can chew. I want to help her as much as I can, and help alleviate some of the stress she is under, but am not sure how. What are some of your job duties?

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I've been a DNS in several buildings so I've 'inherited' several ADONs. The ones who were the most helpful to me asked me on a daily basis what I needed help with or what I needed them to do. They all had their own things to do....one was in charge of the falls program, one was in charge of wounds...

Ask your DNS what she needs help with or if she has a project for you to do. Nothing irks me as much as running the whole day long only to see other people sitting around doing nothing...and I am NOT implying this is what you're doing....just saying.

[RainRN1, ASN, RN]

I am in charge of in services, employee PPDS, I am in charge of one hall, in charge of restorative program. I have no time to sit and do much of any of these I listed due to constantly putting out fires. My DON is new to the facility also she started a couple of months before me and is not from this state so we compliment each other I feel. My background in MDS and care planning helps with the regulation part of it. Our administrator is an interim who is done with the whole living out of a hotel gig. It has been interesting to say the least :) We are a bit staff challenged so working a lot of floor hours on different shifts, definitely getting a workout. Oh yeah and state is due in any minute. I love it so far just do not want to burn out being there so much but so far so good love the people I work with. Thanks very much for your replies....

[NurseGuyBri]

I know this is an older post, but let me just say that if you like your DON that much, just TELLING them that you appreciate them will go MILES AND MILES AND MILES to "helping them out". My ADON makes comments once in a while as do my unit managers that just make me proud when I feel like the ceiling is caving in...