Salary guidance needed!!

[Danirenee2009, ADN]

I left a LTC facility about month ago after 5 years.    It was hard choice but several factors contributed to that decision.    The corporate DON reach out to me last week and asked if I would want to come interview for the DON position as it was suddenly available.    I went in today and had an informal chat about the position and requirements etc etc.  I go again in a few days for a formal interview.   It's a large 170 bed facility that has MANY issues.   I am aware of so many of them with a genuine first hand knowledge. 

 I am stuck on what to ask for as far as salary.    I know it's gonna take alot of time and effort in this position. I don't want to short change myself.   I have no experience as a DON.   Any help/ advice/tips are very appreciated.  

[Hannahbanana, BSN, MSN]

Ask for something a good bit higher than you think they’ll pay. You’re probably worth it and the worst they can do is negotiate it down a bit. They called YOU, remember. You can check online for salaries for LTC DONs in your geographic area. And remember, NEVER accept their first offer. You’re right, this job will be very stressful, so make sure the terms (educational/staff supports, accountability, autonomy, direct reports…) and salary would be very worth it. Those factors you didn’t specify might be very important, too, don’t forget them. Don’t give them an answer right away. Sleep on it. 

Finally, an excellent therapist told me once that if you find yourself taking a deep breath and sighing when you’re considering deciding to do something, it’s almost ALWAYS your body telling you it’s a bad decision. I have never known this advice to fail. Good luck!