Ambulatory Surgery Center, NEW Grad

Published

Hi all

So yesterday I interviewed within an ambulatory surgical center that sees 4500 pts/month. TBH I didn't think I was hired because they didn't tell me much information, didn't ask me much information, and didn't ask for references. Lo and behold today I received an email with the offer.

What I do know:

6 wk orientation

30/hr

M-F, no holidays, weekends (as of now, may implement some Saturdays in the future) hours can range from 7-6, 8-5

and I would have to obtain my ACLS out of pocket as they only offer it twice a year for employees and I will be working before then.

I didn't think to ask of benefits, tuition reimbursement, continuing education or if they consider full time 40H or 37.5H and what my schedule would be like etc. The interview lasted 10 minutes (not exaggerating) and it was my first nurse interview EVER so I will say my nerves prevented me from asking more specific questions.

So my question is WHO and HOW do I get this information without looking bad and just how can I be more informed of what this position entails. It is a fairly new facility, extremely modern, and seems like a great place to work. Also what can I expect as working in peri-op and do they certify me in IVs and how do I become better. I have NO experience in healthcare but extensive 10 + years in sales and customer service.

Any feedback is appreciated thank you to all my fellow nurses out there!

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There have been a several posts about the general duties of peri-op nurses on the All-nurses site. You can look in the search option. Information about ambulatory surgery nursing can be found under the ambulatory nursing, OR nursing, and PACU nursing, specialties.

There are hundreds of hints, tips, on starting IV's on All-nurses. In some ambulatory surgery centers the anesthesiologists start the IV's. None that I have worked in, but I have heard they exist.

Also you can Google the facility. Their home page may give you some more ideas and answers.

If you have more specific questions after searching All-nurses don't hesitate to ask.

Unless your questions about benefits, tuition reimbursement, etc., are "deal breakers", you won't take the job if they don't offer them. I would wait until the first few days of orientation. I would assume you will meet with someone from human resources about any benefits, that would be a good time to ask.

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thank you again for responding! I will search here like you suggested to get some more knowledge!

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I disagree about waiting to ask the questions you didn't think to ask. Write them down and call back. Tell them you have questions. This is ok to do and is much better than finding out later. Tell them you are very happy to have recd the offer and think it is a great fit and you have a few more questions.

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Thank you both for taking the time out to respond! I received another offer at a SNF facility affiliated with a big teaching hospital in my area. Now I'm stuck. If anyone can offer some insight would be great.

Little background:

I am a single parent to a 6 year old. I am starting my BSN online in a few weeks taking Informatics and Pathophys.

The LTC/SNF offers 25/hr w/ benefits and the hours are 7-3:30. TBH it's not my dream job but the hours are more desirable to be home and help my little one with homework, etc. I think I may work every other weekend (don't remember if its for FT/ per diem/ or both) and 1 holiday per winter/summer. They offer tuition reimbursement, and in service, and IV cert. Eventually I see myself in ICU and hopefully CRNA as my long term goal.

My question is what would YOU do? and to all the single mom RNs out there any tips for the balancing act and what has helped you in your nursing journey? Thank you again to all of you!

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I think I would need more detail about the first job to help me decide. It may be an easier transition to ICU from within the same hospital system. But amb surgery skills and pace may better prepare you for ICU.

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The first offer is :

ambulatory surgical center they see around 4500 pts/month

30/hr

mon-fri full time 40H not sure if it's 8, 10, 12 H days

no weekends (may implement Saturday in the future) or holidays

the position is periop: I was told it included assessments, pre-op meds, post op care, don't know about OR TBH and IVs and that they have anesthesiologist there.

they have many specialties: gyn, robotic surgery, orthopaedics, podiatry, pain management, plastic surgery, sports medicine, and bariatrics

my orientation would be 6 weeks

they do not offer tuition reimbursement but they do offer ACLS and BLS 2x/yr for employees but I will have to do it out of pocket since my estimated start date is 9/7

thanks again for any feedback and some insight!

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

what did you decide?

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oh and never got my IV cert, tuition reimbursement, etc.

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