Meeting with a nurse manager

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new grad, with a whopping 2 months of RN experience under my belt (no acute care). On a whim, I decided to ask a nurse manager I have been in touch with for a meeting and tour of the unit. To my surprise, she agreed! Currently, this hospital is not hiring new grads. This is not a true interview, but I'm taking it very seriously because it's my chance to make a great face-to-face impression and... well, why would this busy nurse manager waste her time chit chatting with me just to get away from paperwork? Now, I have to think of something to ask her that will make me stand out and be a great fit to the team!! I don't want to ask questions I would ask during an interview, like, "How much orientation will I receive?" because it's not a true interview... if it somehow turns into one, I'll go ahead and pull those questions out. But for now, what should I ask?

What are the biggest challenges for nurses working in this unit?

What are the goals for the unit in the next 5 years?

I want to keep her interest, but really I'm not interested in HER position, I'm interested in the one I want. :lol2:

Any great questions out there to help me make a great impression?? Thanks!!

What are the staffing ratios for RNs?

Are staff nurses called off because of low census?

Do you have a floating log and is floating common?

Always ask the hard, yet relevant questions.. be wary though some power trippers lack a brain and will escort you out instead :D

Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

You could ask why she agreed to tour the unit with you, i.e what are your long term staffing needs, I know you are busy, so why did you agree to meet with me? Things like that maybe

Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

I went on an "interview" similar to that once, and it was great because I got a lot of helpful interview advice from the nurse manager! Here are some questions I asked, and some that she suggested I ask in the future:

What opportunities are available for continuing education, and what certifications should I work towards if I want to be successful?

What opportunities are there to participate in Evidence-Based Practice on this unit? (also be prepared to note any experience you have with EBP).

What have been the biggest challenges for previous new grads?

What brought you to this unit?

What input do RN's have in decision-making about patient care?

Thank you for all your input!

I am also planning on presenting a portfolio. Like I said, we have been in touch, so she does have some old information of mine, but I wanted to leave her with updated resume and things like that. I know in an "informational interview" that "asking for a job" is totally taboo. However, I think this would be okay because it's not an informational interview, and she already knows I've been wanting this job. I'm thinking I should present it to her at the end, unless she asks for it earlier. Thoughts?

Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

I would just ask if she anticipates any openings that you would be appropriate for, so you can plan accordingly. Give her a copy of your resume and any relevant info, and ask her to keep you updated. If everything goes well hopefully she will!

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