Starting a new role as a Director of Nursing (DON) can feel like diving headfirst into a whirlwind.
There’s excitement, pressure, and about a million things demanding your attention all at once.
But here’s the thing—if you want to thrive (not just survive), you’ve got to get your daily routine locked in early.
The secret to long-term success? Consistency and showing up every day ready to lead. Let’s get into it—here’s my top five daily to-do list for new DONs.
1. Morning Clinical Rounds
Why this matters: Clinical rounds are your golden opportunity to set the tone for the day. Being out on the floor lets you keep a pulse on what’s happening, build relationships, and catch potential issues before they become full-blown problems.
How to do it effectively:
Start by greeting your staff and residents—yes, it matters! People need to see you care.
Check in on high-risk residents or those with recent changes in condition.
Keep an eye on cleanliness, organization, and overall vibe. Does the place look, smell, and feel like home? If not, it’s time to dig deeper.
Take mental notes (or I prefer handwritten ones—whatever works) of things that need immediate follow-up.
Pro Tip: Don’t just walk the halls like you’re checking a box. Engage with your team—ask questions, offer help, and genuinely listen. Trust me, it makes a difference.
2. Daily Morning Meeting with Interdisciplinary Team
Why this matters: If you want your ship to sail smoothly, your crew needs to be on the same page. A quick morning meeting keeps everyone aligned and helps you stay proactive instead of reactive.
How to do it effectively:
Go over census numbers, staffing updates, admissions, discharges, and any potential issues.
Review incidents from the previous shift and discuss any ongoing concerns.
Encourage your department heads to share updates—it’s a team effort.
Keep it focused and efficient. No one wants a long-winded meeting first thing in the morning.
Pro Tip: Use a consistent agenda to keep things flowing smoothly. Here’s a sample agenda to help guide your morning meeting:
Census Review – Admissions, discharges, and pending transfers.
Staffing Update – Current coverage, call-offs, and staffing needs.
Incident Reports – Review any incidents from the previous shift.
Key Department Updates – Brief updates from each department head.
Priority Focus for the Day – Set key goals and expectations for the day ahead.
Keeping the meeting structured helps ensure nothing critical gets missed while keeping it brief and effective.
And remember—this isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about setting the tone for the day.
3. Check Infection Control and QA Concerns
Why this matters: You can’t mess around with infection control. Keeping a close eye on this ensures you’re protecting your residents, staff, and the facility’s reputation.
How to do it effectively:
Review any new infections and ensure appropriate precautions are in place.
Check pending lab results and follow up with physicians if needed.
Make sure audits (hand hygiene, wound care, etc.) are happening regularly.
Pro Tip: Partner with your infection preventionist and QA nurse. It’s not a one-person job, and collaboration makes a world of difference.
4. Staff Rounding and Engagement
Why this matters: People don’t quit jobs; they quit bad bosses. Regular staff rounding shows you care, boosts morale, and gives you insight into what’s really happening on the floor.
How to do it effectively:
Check in with nurses and CNAs throughout the day.
Ask questions like, “What’s going well?” and “What challenges are you facing?”
Recognize great work—a little acknowledgment goes a long way.
Be approachable. If your team feels comfortable coming to you, you’ll be the first to know about potential problems.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Make rounding part of your daily routine, not something you do when you “have time.”
5. End-of-Day Recap and Follow-Up
Why this matters: The day can get away from you fast, so ending it with a quick recap helps tie up loose ends and sets you up for a solid start tomorrow.
How to do it effectively:
Follow up on anything unresolved from the morning meeting or rounds.
Check your email and voicemail for any urgent issues.
Make a short to-do list for the next day, prioritizing what needs immediate attention.
Pro Tip: Wrapping up your day with intention helps you leave work at work—well, as much as possible—and reduces next-day chaos.
Final Thoughts
Being a Director of Nursing isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a role that requires grit, consistency, and a whole lot of follow-through.
By sticking to a daily routine that includes clinical rounds, proactive meetings, infection control checks, and staff engagement, you’ll build a strong foundation for success.
Remember, leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about showing up, supporting your team, and following through on what matters.
You’ve got this!
Lead with love ❤️
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