No Structure at LTC place I was just hired at..any advice

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Specializes in School Nurse.

I know this could be a touchy subject as most LTC nurses like to stay out of the politics of things. Let me first off start by saying I would never have accepted a job like this if I wasnt in dire need of finances. Okay, I was interviewed by a Supply person who is going to LVN school...weird right? No ADON or DON exists in this place! This supply person does all the hiring, nurses schedules, on-call...etc... what the ??? Anyways, when I asked who was charge nurse on each shift was her answer is she has no charge nurses...I did not even see a mds nurse in this facility. She hired me because I have some experience, and needs someone to rebuild this place. Someone that can come up with routines, be in charge basically. I am flattered that they believe in my leadership qualities, but is this worth the trouble? State was in there today and when I left I asked how many flags they got...it was well over 20 for small fixable things such as leaving linen on the floor, and gloves in patient trash cans..etc. Any advice from seasoned nurses on how I can help this place get back on track? I feel this could be an opportunity for me to find a good position in the political part og LTC. What do you all think?

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

Legally a skilled facility can not operate without a DON. Something smells fishy.

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How long can a facility operate without a DON if she is on FMLA?

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

Are they hiring you as the DON? I would request an interview with the admnistrator - questions being: What happened to previous DON?, what is survey history?, what is plans for nursing management staff?, is there clinical corporate support person that has stepped in to help direct rebuilding a team?, What is staffing PPD?, etc

I've got to say, I've been doing this a long time and the senerio you described would make me run for cover. Unless there is more to this than you've said I suspect you will never get the support you're going to need to be a sucess.

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.
How long can a facility operate without a DON if she is on FMLA?

Typically some other RN (ADON if the facility has one) becomes the acting DON

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That really sounds like a bizarre situation .Maybe they want you to be the DON? I was not aware that nurses could not put used gloves in the patient's trash cans. Now what about the patient's trash cans that are located in the individual bathrooms. Is it OK to put used gloves in the bathroom trash cans?

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