Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

Which of the following describes an acceptable weekly work schedule for a Director of Nursing (DON)?

1. 8a-2p Mon-Fri

2. 7a-8p (with one hour for lunch and breaks) Mon, Wed, Fri

3. 8a-5p (with one hour for lunch and breaks) on Mon Tue, and 5p-11p on Thurs, Fri, Sat

4. 8a-6p Mon-Tue, and 11a-9p Wed-Thurs (with one hour for meal and breaks each day)

The correct answer is: 8a-6p Mon-Tue, and 11a-9p Wed-Thurs (with one hour for meal and breaks each day)

The chosen answer reflects a well-structured weekly work schedule for a Director of Nursing (DON) that covers essential administrative and operational responsibilities in a nursing home. This schedule demonstrates an adequate overlap with both day and evening shifts, which allows the DON to address the needs of various staff members and residents effectively across different times of the day. A work schedule that includes hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday ensures that the DON is present during typical administrative hours. The extended hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday accommodate the nursing staff and residents, as it helps facilitate better communication with evening staff and maintaining continuity of care. The inclusion of a meal and breaks each day also adheres to labor regulations and promotes the well-being of the DON. In contrast, other schedules may not provide the appropriate accessibility or coverage required for a DON. For instance, a schedule reduced to only six hours daily may limit the ability to supervise staff or engage adequately with residents and families. Similarly, fragmented hours or very short shifts can result in insufficient oversight or support for the nursing team. This makes the selected schedule the most suitable choice for a position that requires balancing administrative duties, resident care, and