My first job in post-acute care was as a part-time, afternoon shift nurse on a Medicare unit and from day one, I realized the importance of mentorship for DONs and other key roles. I remember walking in for orientation, all three days of it. It wasn’t bad—there was plenty of staff, two nurses assigned to the Medicare unit where I was placed, and everything seemed manageable. But that was on the day shift. When I started my afternoon shift, everything changed. Expectations were higher, responsibilities were immense, and I was the only nurse on the unit, with far fewer staff members to help.

The one saving grace for me was the “team leader” or “mentor” for the CNAs on our unit. This seasoned CNA knew it all, way more than I did at the time! I’m not sure what happened to this role, but it was vital to the unit running smoothly and ensuring care was provided. Everyone had a “buddy” for that resident who needed extra hands for care or transfers. No one complained, and life was great.

So, think about the DON in your center—who is their mentor? An article in Provider magazine made me take notice. Sure, healthcare associations offer training for new DONs, but what about the day-to-day challenges after the training? We can do better.

As the article pointed out, “when a nurse reaches the level of director of nursing (DON), the perspective changes, and sometimes not in the most comfortable of ways. Suddenly, you’re not just a member of the orchestra; you’re the conductor, composing the harmony of care delivery, staff management, and organizational objectives such as regulations, audits, and surveys. You are being looked at as the person with the answers, but who is there to help you when you have a question.” Suddenly, the DON is the one expected to have all the answers, but who helps them when they have a question?

Mentorship for DONs is crucial. Consider creating a space for a peer mentor who has walked in the DON’s shoes. It can be lonely at the top—do your DON a favor, have a discussion, seek out resources, and remember: happy staff, happy home, happy residents! Stay well and stay informed!