title: So you want to be a Director of Nursing ... now what!
abstract: The authors believe that even an experienced DON might need at least two months to adequately adjust and/or professionally realign problematic areas of concern in a new position. This opinion is in direct contrast with Maun (1998). Maun states "If a DON is moving to this job from another similar position, the overall program may take a week, not including any other corporate or facility specific orientations. If a person is taking a DON job for the first time, the process could take two weeks to allow for identifying areas of deficiency." The position of Director of Nursing is dynamic and fluid; it is challenging and exciting. The key to success is communication, forward planning, flexibility and the willingness to grow with the demanding changes in the arena of long term care.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harkulich
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Keller
mesh_terms: D002321:Career Choice; D006801:Humans; D007586:Job Application; D007587:Job Description; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*; D009735:Nursing Homes