Drowning in Work? How the DON Strong and RN Supervisor Notebooks Can Save Your Day

Feeling like your shift is running you instead of the other way around?

As a nursing leader, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of the job. I’ve been there.

I used to feel like I was barely keeping my head above water—drowning in tasks, unsure of what to prioritize, and exhausted from just trying to keep everything afloat.

That’s when I realized I needed tools to streamline my work and regain control of my day.

That’s why I created the DON Strong Notebook and the RN Supervisor Notebook. 

These tools helped me stay organized, manage my time more effectively, and, most importantly, reduce my stress and anxiety.

Now, they’re helping nurse leaders like you do the same.

But what’s the difference between these two notebooks? Let’s break it down so you can find the one that’s right for you.

The DON Strong Notebook: Take Control of Your Day

As a Director of Nursing, your day is often filled with staffing challenges, meetings, and endless paperwork.

The DON Strong Notebook is your go-to tool for organizing it all and leading your facility with confidence.

Features and Benefits

Here’s what makes this notebook perfect for DONs:

• Daily Planning: Start by choosing your month, year, and dates. This flexible format allows you to customize it to your schedule.

• Set Priorities: What are the most important tasks for the day? Whether it’s staffing concerns or a critical meeting, this section helps you focus on what matters.

• Delegation: Use the 5 Rights of Delegation to assign tasks efficiently, so you can free up your time for high-priority issues.

• Follow-Up and Concerns: Track follow-ups for staff or resident concerns to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

• Celebrate Your Wins: Whether it’s a fall-free week or all shifts being covered, this section reminds you to celebrate even the smallest victories.

  
  

Staffing Essentials

Staffing is a significant part of any DON’s responsibilities, and the notebook is designed to help you manage it seamlessly:

• Daily Staffing Meeting Notes: Track census and PPD (per patient day) for yesterday, today, and tomorrow to stay ahead of your staffing needs.

• Call-Outs and Open Shifts: Document who called out, track open shifts, and create a plan to cover them.

• Hospital Transfers and Admissions: These directly affect your census, so they’re included for easy tracking alongside staffing details.

  
  

The RN Supervisor Notebook: Your Floor-Level Guide

If you’re an RN Supervisor, you need a tool that keeps you organized on the floor, where the action happens. The RN Supervisor Notebook mirrors the structure of the DON Strong Notebook but is tailored to the hands-on responsibilities of a supervisor.

Features and Benefits

This notebook is all about managing the day-to-day details that keep your team running smoothly:

• Incidents and Follow-Ups: Document incidents, accidents, changes in condition, admissions, and discharges. Keep track of follow-ups so nothing is missed.

• Shift Reports: Ensure detailed reports are received from each LPN to stay informed and prepared.

• Documentation Checks: Verify that all CNA documentation is completed—accuracy is key!

• Safety Rounds: Stay on top of daily rounding and check essential safety items like code carts, AEDs, and wander guards for residents at risk of elopement.

Additional Tools

The RN Supervisor Notebook also helps you manage:

• Grievances: Track and escalate grievances to the appropriate person when needed.

• Open Shifts and Call-Outs: Plan coverage for gaps in the schedule, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Which Notebook Is Right for You?

Both notebooks are designed to help you thrive, but the choice depends on your role:

• Choose the DON Strong Notebook if you’re a Director of Nursing juggling staffing, meetings, and facility-wide concerns.

• Choose the RN Supervisor Notebook if you’re a hands-on supervisor managing daily operations and team communication.

Real-Life Impact

Before I created these notebooks, I struggled with feeling overwhelmed and unproductive. I’d leave work exhausted, thinking, Did I actually accomplish anything today?

These tools changed everything. They gave me clarity, helped me manage my time better, and allowed me to lead with confidence.

Here’s what one user shared:" The DON Strong Notebook has completely transformed how I manage my day. I’m less stressed and more productive—it’s a game-changer!"

Where to Get Yours

Ready to take control of your day? You can grab the DON Strong Notebook or RN Supervisor Notebook from my https://stan.store/bilquisbali or Amazon. Choose the download copy to start organizing your work today.

Final Thoughts

Being a nursing leader is one of the toughest jobs out there, but with the right tools, you can stay organized, reduce stress, and celebrate your wins.

💬 What challenges are you facing in your role? Let me know in the comments below!👍 If this blog was helpful, share it with your fellow nursing leaders.

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