Job Search - What's Most Important?

live4today, RN · Jan 17, 2004

Unless I'm overlooking it, the most important criteria to me (NOW anyway) is nurse to patient ratios. :nurse:

If the ratios are unreasonable, it doesn't matter what the hire on benefits are. I learned about taking sign on bonuses, relocation bonuses, etc. There is ALWAYS a major catch when money is being GIVEN to recruit nurses. Let it be a WARNING!!! Something is very wrong with where you are being enticed to hire on. Don't do it! :nono:

In addition: Another thing to learn about ahead of time BEFORE hiring on somewhere is what the management of the facility is like...management on the unit you are considering (interview the staff about him/her). If the management is poor, protect your license and your reputation and stay farrrrrrrrrrr away!

I like the flexible scheduling idea you have though. :)

fiestynurse · Jan 17, 2004

I didn't think of putting nurse/patient ratios on the list, since we just solved that problem here in California. Yes, I agree that's very important.

live4today, RN · Jan 17, 2004

Perhaps other states will follow California and solve the nurse patient ratio problems, too. We can only pray for that miracle to happen. :nurse:

sjoe · Jan 17, 2004

Originally posted by fiestynurse
I didn't think of putting nurse/patient ratios on the list, since we just solved that problem here in California.

1) Don't count your chickens quite yet on the ratio issue.

2) To me the most important things have always been patient load, institutional support, and coworker professionalism and compatibility.

live4today, RN · Jan 17, 2004

Originally posted by sjoe
........................................................................................

2) To me the most important things have always been patient load, institutional support, and coworker professionalism and compatibility.

Right on sjoe! Gotta give it to you for listing the top priorities here. :)

sjoe · Jan 17, 2004

Originally posted by cheerfuldoer
Right on sjoe! Gotta give it to you for listing the top priorities here. :)

Too bad this combination seems to be in such short supply! (Otherwise, there would BE no "nursing shortage.")

fiestynurse · Jan 17, 2004

sjoe - "Don't count your chickens quite yet on the ratio issue"

I don't quite understand this comment, since the "chickens have hatched" and we do have a nurse/patient ratio law in effect in California.

Doesn't "institutional support" include providing things like mortgage assistance, on-site childcare, uniform and meal allowances? Isn't "co-worker professionalism" fostered by clinical ladders or educational benefits? Wouldn't flexible scheduling improve compatibility?

The reason for this post is really quite simple: An organization has so much money to put into recruiting and retaining nurses. Where would you like them to put the most dollars.

In speaking to younger nurses - they want the highest base wage possible. In speaking to older nurses - they focus more on heathcare, retirement, etc.

When you are sitting down for an interview what is one of the first few questions that come out of your mouth when discussing compensation? This is after you have discussed the general aspects of the job.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2004

When I begin my nursing job search a year and a half from now, I would rank the compensation-related things you have listed as follows:

1. Scheduling (not sure how you're defining "flexible" - what I'll be looking for is a weekly schedule of 3 12s ).

2. Base pay

3. Opportunities for advancement

4. Tuition reimbursement for continuing education

5. Retirement plan - 401(k)

6. Vacation/holiday/sick leave

7. Disability benefits

The others would kinda get lumped together ... negligible importance to me.

Scheduling is far and away the most important compensation-related factor for me, but even that comes WAAAYYY after being comfortable with the "environment" of the hospital, and to me that means the working atmosphere (ratios and general atmosphere) as well as decent physical facilities and location/neighborhood.

Just my 2 cents.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Jan 17, 2004

Originally posted by cheerfuldoer
Right on sjoe! Gotta give it to you for listing the top priorities here. :)

I second this emotion!

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Jan 17, 2004

Most imnportant to me:

1. Pt load.

2. Working conditions.

3. General attitude of the institution towards nurses and nursing.

fiestynurse · Jan 18, 2004

So if the patient load is great, the working conditions are ideal, and the facility just loves nurses - you would be o.k. taking a $5 pay cut from your last job and less benefits?