Oh so very nervous

[ClearBlueOctoberSky]

I work in LTC.

I started out as a part-time night nurse on the secured memory unit, moved shortly to the full-time day charge on the same unit, just a a few short months after, all as a brand new nurse. Almost a year ago, on April 1st as a matter of fact, I moved from my charge position to the a Restorative Nurse position. A brand position within my LTC, and considered part of the Nurse Leadership team. I've learned a ton, and still feel like it isn't enough at times. The program has advanced, but we are not perfect yet.

This past year, we have been through some tough times, and lately, I have not been able to devote enough time to the RNP, due to taking on additional duties. We have lost some staff and are in the process of restructuring.

To get to the point, I went in to talk to my Administrator the other day and out of the blue she unofficially offers a combined position of SDC and Unit Manager/ADON.

It is intriguing, and I am excited. I love to teach, even when I was a Paramedic, I enjoyed teaching my patients. I am nervous, though. I am a perfectionist, and I know I will be far from perfect. It does help that I have that support from my NHA, I know I will have it from my DON when they are hired. I have the support from our Nurse consultant, and that all gives me a boost of confidence, to be sure.

But yeah, oh so nervous.

[A_novice_nurse]

Congratulations on your promotion !

[amoLucia]

Congrats also. Just be aware that you'll be wearing multiple hats and it may be difficult to split out your time to give fair due to each position. With your background in the facility and admin support it sounds like a great chance for spreading your wings.

Good luck!

[ClearBlueOctoberSky]

I agree, amoLucia.

I think my ADON type duties won't be more than what I am already doing now. I would be the unit manager of our Secured Memory Unit, the unit I started out on.

I have much to learn, and realize there will be obstacles to hurdle. I also just starting to pick up classes to get myself inline to do a LPN to RN bridge program.

I have always said I was lucky. This facility was the first call back when I started my search two years ago. Even with my background, I knew that nursing was going to be hard. I have found nothing but support, and that makes all the difference.