Need advice..fast!

mmutk, BSN, RN, EMT-I · Dec 11, 2007

What the Nurse ratio is (i.e. how many patients are you going to have at a time (max))

typical is 1nurse to 4patients. Although 1:3 would be nice.

travelcrazyRN · Dec 11, 2007

Thanks! What should I expect from orientation? duration, classes, etc. I am proficient in all types of med/surg and tele but like I said ER would be new to me. I have ACLS, but I would like TNCC. I plan on asking if that is available.

ERRNTraveler, RN · Dec 11, 2007

Ask how long your orientation is- it should be at least 3 months if you don't have ER experience. Ask about nurse to pt. ratio- 1:4 is average- any more than that can be overwhelming. Ask if they will put you through PALS, TNCC, ENPC. Ask about non-nursing staff- do you have to do all your blood draws, or are there phlebotomists? Are there CNA's or paramedics to help? Do you have to draw your own ABG's, or does RT do them?

mmutk, BSN, RN, EMT-I · Dec 11, 2007

Well also check to see what if any protocols your ER will have in place. If you are going to be an ER nurse, you will have to start thinking and ordering like one.

In our ER we have protocols for most things that walk in the door. Before the doc even sees them, I am expected to order appropriate xrays and or CTs, give some appropriate meds if needed, and possibly call in a consult or too. This is all thanks too protocols we have.

For an example of one straight out of my orientation manual see below...

www.firemarshall.net/ACUTEAMS.html

travelcrazyRN · Dec 11, 2007

In our ER we have protocols for most things that walk in the door. Before the doc even sees them, I am expected to order appropriate xrays and or CTs, give some appropriate meds if needed, and possibly call in a consult or too. This is all thanks too protocols we have.

THATS GREAT! I already think like that. When I call a doc I already have an idea of what I want ordered and also what I expect them to order.

bill4745, RN · Dec 11, 2007

I would suggest you ask if you could "shadow" a nurse on a 3-11 shift at least once to see what it is like and to talk to the staff.

Weeping Willow · Dec 11, 2007

First try listening to what the interviewer says. Your questions could very well be answered in her spiel.

I think I'd steer away from any questions that would indicate your fear of being overworked or inadequately oriented. If I were the interviewer, I'd tend to think you were already complaining about staffing, workload, too many tasks.

I think the best thing is to convey your sincere enthusiasm for the ER and for learning everything you possibly can, in order to become an excellent ER nurse. Your desire to care for people, your respect for authority, your awareness of your education needs but also your confidence, which was gained in your present job, your lack of sitter and transportation and health problems - these are what an employer wants to hear. Don't be cocky or know everything but don't be scared inordinately either. You are a great team player, you realize that breaks are secondary to patient needs, you love to help your peers and the doctors, you respect all staff and patients, you know how important communication with families is, just all the stuff that you yourself would want to hear from an applicant if you were the one hiring.

Yeah, I'm cynical and being extreme here but you get the idea, right? Be positive, don't badmouth anything or anybody, convey your total dedication to learning the ER. Unless you get a real realistic interviewer, then just follow his or her lead.

Hey, good luck!

travelcrazyRN · Dec 11, 2007

Thanks for the advise!

3 hours, anymore interview questions unique to the ER.

nursemoons14 · Dec 12, 2007

Ask about whether they provide and support (financially or education days) or have resources to further your knowledge base such as;TNCC,ACLS, ENPC etc. Then ask when your first pay raise will be ahah

travelcrazyRN · Dec 13, 2007

thanks for the advise fellow nurses. I believe it went well.

Nursemoons14---don't mention salary on the first interview.