Shawn_RN

I started out as a CNA back in 1990, then a CMT in 1992, and then a RN in 1999. I became the night shift charge nurse right out of school and within 6 months I was the ADON. Not because I wanted to but because I was the only other RN left in the facility and the DON was threatening to quit without an ADON. The company then moved me in January 2000 to a sister facility as the DON. It all happened rather fast for me and sometimes I think it would have been better to take it at a slower pace. However I adapted well and my very first survey was deficiency free. Took a lot to get there though and you have to be willing to put in the time and effort. Good luck with your decision.

I have been the DON in 60 bed facility, 120 bed facility, and 180 bed facility. The one thing that I always did was to not schedule anything in the morning time. That was my time to be out on the floor talking with the residents, helping make beds, helping with toileting, etc. You would be amazed at the things you learn when you are the one that answers the call light. LOL. I would spend every afternoon on all of the paperwork and various meetings that needed to be held. Hope that helps.

I would ask for your facility policy as to what the charting requirements are. CapeCod is right MedA is one of the most important in that you have to document the reason for the stay as she mentioned. Most facilities spell out their charting requirements and it should have been something that was given to you during your orientation.

Generally the RN Supervisor is just that the Supervisor when the DON or ADON are not in the building. I would ask for the job description from management and what the duties would entail such as are you responsible for taking call, do you still work as a charge nurse at the same time, and the BIG ONE are you responsible for staffing? Good luck.

I used to orient the new CNA's for at least 3 weeks on the shift that they would be working with the exception that the first two days were on day shift with thte therapy department and the restorative aide. I would also assign the same preceptor for the entire orientation period. At around the 2 week mark I would meet with the preceptor and the charge nurse and we would discuss how the new CNA was doing and whether they felt that more orientation was needed. The biggest obstacles for the new CNA are to learn your residents, your careplans, and facility policies. I would then meet with the new CNA before the end of the 3rd week and see how they felt they were doing and then make a determination whether further orientation was warranted. I chose to wear scrubs but you should choose whatever you feel most comfortable in. The only time that I wore business casual was for corporate meetings.