new grad RN as DON?

[Apollo RN]

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who've been so informative in this site which has really helped me in HH.

Anyway, here's my situation:

I have been a HH RN for 3 months now(new grad with no other experience) and the company I've been working for offered me the DON position. I already discussed the position with the administrator and promised that they would support me for whatever I need since I have no experience if I take the job. It seems shady to me.

At first I was happy because the economy is soooo bad and not all new grads are given the opportunity to have a decent job. And the experience I will gain if I take this job is really good. But when I really think about it, I'm sure that the job will be so stressful and it may jeopardize my license.

I really need advice since I told them I'll give my decision next week.

Thank you!:redbeathe

[Isabelle49]

Not sure what state you are in, but in Louisiana to be a DON of home health you must work for 1 to 2 years as a field nurse. If I am not mistaken this is also a medicare regulation.

[cathrn64]

Sounds fishy to me!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

What knowledge do you have of Home Health state and Medicare/Medicaid regulations??? Is this a private duty agnecy or full fleged HHA with Medicare and Medicaid patients. Do you have any business experience from another life? Otherwise as a new grad RN you are being setup to fail by management and need to nix this deal so not to put your licnese on the line nor reputation when things go wrong from lack of experience both as RN and HH newbie.

[KateRN1]

I would be leery of an agency that offers a full time field position to a new grad RN, never mind the directorship. If you were the owner of the agency, would *you* hire you, or someone with the same qualifications? Not a good situation.

Also consult the federal and state Conditions of Participation, at least in FL (not sure of other states) you would not be considered qualified.

[ChristineAdrianaRN, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't touch that job with a 10-foot IV pole.

[RN1263]

RUN......

[tonyasnyder]

I've worked as a homecare case manager for 13 years and consider myself to be well aquainted with how home care works and medicare regulations. I am even oasis certified. Last year I was offered an adon position, which I enjoyed but it was a lot of work and it takes a lot of knowledge, and can be extremely stressful. I have now been offered a DON position at another agency, which I accepetd, but with all my years of experience, I still feel lost and have alot to learn. My advice is don't do it!

[caliotter3]

Expect to hold your position for a short time if you take it. You will be around just long enough for something major to go wrong, like the next agency audit, then you will be history. New grads are often fodder for unscrupulous employers.

[HealthyNurse]

I agree with Kate, RN....I don't think that new grads should be in the field as a home care nurse, let alone as the DON. I know it must seem like an incredible opportunity right out of school...and if it seems to good to be true, it is!