If Your Week Feels Out of Control, Read This (DON Systems Guide)

Being a Director of Nursing is more than just a title — it’s a heavy responsibility. If you want to thrive in this role — not just survive — you need systems.

Systems create structure.

Structure creates consistency.

And consistency leads to confidence, clarity, and outcomes.

Unexpected events will happen. A fall. A hospitalization. A staff call-out. A family complaint. A power outage. A med error.

But those events should not completely derail your day. If they do? That’s a sign your systems either: - Aren’t in place- Aren’t being followed- Or you’re missing a few key puzzle pieces to make them work

🔁 What Your Days Should Include:

·         ✅ Daily staffing meetings to review open shifts, agency usage, and PPD

·         ✅ Morning staff huddles to set the tone, assign accountability, and address concerns

·         ✅ Morning clinical meetings to review new admissions, overnight events, and risk flags

·         ✅ Clinical stand-downs to focus on high-risk residents, and prepare for managing off shifts

·         ✅ Unit rounding to connect with your nurses, residents, and families

·         ✅ Review of 24-hour reports for follow-up and performance gaps

·         ✅ A moment of leadership check-in — encourage, support, redirect

📅 What Your Weeks Should Include:

·         🗓 Weekly risk meetings with your IDT

·         💊 Medication and GDR reviews

·         📑 Rotating chart audits

·         👥 Staff evaluations or quick 1:1s

·         📦 Supply check-ins and equipment planning

·         📈 Tracking of trends (falls, wounds, behaviors, psych, infections)

·         📍 Follow-up on all admissions, discharges, and transfers

·         💬 Prepping for family follow up concerns

·         🧠 Mock surveys or drill reviews to keep your team always ready

💡 Bottom Line: If you’re constantly playing catch-up, it’s not because you’re not working hard — it’s because your systems need support. Start small. Stick with it. Stay consistent.

If you need help staying focused and aligned, don’t forget to use your Director of Nursing Planner — it’s designed for this very reason.

Planning and preparation produce positive outcomes — and the proof starts with your leadership. ✨ Ready to lead with confidence and calm?

➡️ Visit directorofnursingtraining.com

➡️ Download the DON Planner

➡️ Enroll in the Director of Nursing Training Program

You're not alone in this leadership journey. You've got the tools, and now — it's time to follow through. 💼