When is the DON allowed to work on the floor outside the day shift?

• A. When necessary, DON may work other than the day shift but no more than 3 shifts a week, not to exceed 3 consecutive weeks in a 3 month period
• B. DON must always stay on day shift
• C. During staffing shortages with administrator approval
• D. DON may not work the floor at all

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is balancing leadership presence with workload limits. A DON on the floor outside the day shift can be necessary to provide direction and address issues when evening or weekend staff need guidance, but it shouldn’t happen too often or for too long. The best rule sets clear caps: no more than three shifts a week and no more than three consecutive weeks within a three‑month period. This keeps essential supervision available during off‑hours while protecting the DON from burnout and ensuring daytime administrative duties aren’t neglected.

Staying strictly on the day shift eliminates needed supervision during other hours. Requiring administrator approval during shortages sounds reasonable, but without specific limits it could lead to inconsistency. And saying the DON may not work the floor at all ignores safety and care needs that arise outside daytime hours. The stated limits give a practical, enforceable balance.