Questions for ED Employer

Jen2 · Jan 5, 2005

I am wondring the same thing as you. I have an interview with a large level 1 trauma center tomorrow for a GN position this May.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 5, 2005

I work as a case manager in the ER:

1. What is your usual staffing matrix?

2. Number of patients your ER sees anually - you can usually get this info from HR.

3. What is in place for multiple trauma patients - ie - how is the need for extra staffing taken into account?

4. What are the call requirements? Is it year round, only on the off-shifts, only during trauma season?

5. Is there a dedicated charge nurse? This is something that I personally believe works very well - you have consistent and knowledgeable charge staff.

Does that help?

11:11 · Jan 5, 2005

I am wondring the same thing as you. I have an interview with a large level 1 trauma center tomorrow for a GN position this May.

GN as in Grad nurse right?

In your position you wont have much bargaining power but you should be concerned about your well being.

If I were you I would be asking if they have an established newgrad program in place for their ED. As you have probably heard by now most would not recommend going into ED or ICU without some floor experience. Having said that the ICU I work at has an excellent newgrad program in place and they do thrive there. I wouldnt want to be in their shoes but they do well never the less.

You should also want to know how many months or shifts you'll be under preceptorship. About three months at full time is average here.

Also will you have the same preceptor and work his-her shifts or will you be working under who ever can take you according to staffing? Most programs try to keep you with the same preceptor more or less but you still end up working with others. This does have some positives.

Ask if you will be doing rotations through other departments as part of their newgrad program. Some hospitals do this.

How about formal training? I'm not sure about ED but quite a few hospitals offer formal ICU classes to newgrads and even newhires.

I dont think floating will be an issue as most ED RN's dont have to do this but you might ask if they have a dedicated charge nurse pool or if they'll be expecting you to take charge in six months as quite a few hospitals do.

And last but not least what shifts will you be working. Nights in ED can be quite interesting. Personally I like to rotate.

If its a large level 1 ask where will you be parking especially at night, and will security walk you to your car. I know of one level 1 in minneapolis that does this for night shift at request. If this facility is located where there are harsh winters ask if they will they jump start your car. Consider buying AAA RV plus and a cell phone if you have neither.

I like to recommend working at a smaller hospital to start out with as was my experience. I got the foundation I needed and it was a "kinder gentler" one at that. On the other hand a neighbor I grew up with started out at a large level 1 ED as a GN and has done quite well.

These would be the majority of my concerns in your position-

HTH

(edit spelling)

Jen2 · Jan 5, 2005

11:11. Thanks so much for the advice. I also did my externship in this ED over the summer and they do have an excellent program. I also have past experience in the ED. and was on the code team before, so I know a little of what I am getting into. I have a whole lot to learn and I am willing to do so because this is what I want to do. Thanks again, I'll let everyone know how it goes.

11:11 · Jan 5, 2005

Personally I think youd be best served by working in an ICU for a couple of years before ED but thats another discussion. However, working in a level 1 as a GN is quite a opportunity and I wish you the best-

You can call me 11

11:11 · Jan 5, 2005

Does that help?

Yes it does and thankyou very much.

Could you expand on the staffing matrix? Staffing and understanding it is one of my weaknessess-

11

11:11 · Jan 6, 2005

Whats a reasonable RN to patient ratio in a larger ED?