Motivation Monday: For Every DON Who Had to Go Through It This Weekend

Okay, it’s Monday… How many of you had to go in over the weekend?

How many took those “just checking in” phone calls that turned into full-blown problem-solving sessions? Admissions? Hospital transfers? Short staffing drama?

I’ll wait. 😮‍💨

Listen — if you know me or follow me, you already KNOW: 👉🏽 I don’t sugar coat this role.

I love it. I’m called to it. But let me be clear — being a Director of Nursing is not for the faint of heart.

This role will stretch you. Mentally. Emotionally. Physically. Some days, you’ll feel like you're holding up the building with one clipboard and a whole lot of prayer.

But here’s the thing: This role also allows you to have a massive impact — on your residents and on your staff.

When you show up every day, you’re not just showing up to “work.” You’re showing up to LEAD.

You’re building culture. You’re modeling standards. You’re influencing outcomes.

🧠 Now, here are a few tips to get your Monday in check:

Whether your weekend was chill or chaotic, these are non-negotiables for your DON flow:

🔎 Read your 72-hour report

📄 Review all incident reports

🏥 Check hospital transfers and discharges

📝 Scan your order listing report

If your weekend was hectic and your staff hit, you with resistance on top of it — breathe.

Don’t try to fix everything at once.

Motivation Monday: 3 Goals to Survive Today & Thrive Tomorrow

Level 1: ✨ POWERHOUSE MONDAY

You're in full boss mode.

• Full morning clinical with your team

• Review all incident & accident reports

• Check discharges, hospital transfers, order listing

• Rounds + huddles + documentation check

Vibe: Leading out loud. Setting the tone. Full control.

Level 2: 🔍 STREAMLINED FOCUS

You’ve got challenges, but you're moving smart.

• Prioritize morning clinical

• Review incident & accident reports

• Delegate follow-up to ADON or unit managers

Vibe: Strategic. Focused. Still driving outcomes.

Level 3: ☁️ JUST SURVIVE TODAY

It’s Monday chaos. No shame. Stay afloat.

• Read your 24–72-hour report

• Take clear notes on follow-up items

• Address 1 critical issue

Vibe: Quiet power. Holding the line. Staying consistent.

🔹 No matter the goal level—DO NOT skip your 24–72-hour report.

🔹 Take notes. Flag follow-ups. Set your intention.

You are still the shift. Even on the hard days.

Save this. Share this. Show up how you can. And build from there.