Child Pysch Interview

cherryblossom88 · Mar 2, 2011

I would ask about the following things : my pay and when raises are given, nurse to pt ratio, nurse to cna ratio, schedule, overtime, breaks. Thats all I can think of.

germanshep · Mar 2, 2011

Thank you :)

mentalhealthRN · Mar 2, 2011

I would ask what is in place for restraints. The availibility of docs on each shift. Are they there 24/7 or available by phone or..... If they use just docs or if they use midlevel providers--ie psych NP. and yes the ratio/how many beds and how may nurses/aides on each shift. How charting is done-- notes only or if they use a care map type of thing. If they use RNs only or RNs and LPNs and if they do primary nursing or if they have one med nurse. What ages they take--child and adolescent or just one or the other. Some places separate the two. What is in place as far as security. If they are on the unit or get called when needed. If they do visitation. Is this an acute hospital unit or more long term like a state unit that you will be at? I would ask if there are groups and who does them.....rec therapy or social work or nursing or everyone. Sometimes they do have nurses do groups on things like meds, medical things and what not. I would ask about mandatory overtime and if they require anything like on-call. How long the orientation is and what kind of training you are given.

Thats all I can think of at the moment but GOOD LUCK!!!!

germanshep · Mar 2, 2011

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate you taking the time. I will def write these down to ask. The facility is a mental health facility, specializing in children, adolescents and adults. I am interview for the child's unit (I am guessing ages 6-12). So far from what I gathered the main areas for admission is depression, school avoidance, austim, adhd, etc. The facility was state run until HCA took it over. So many questions will be asked tomorrow! Thanks again :)

mtdnk · Mar 2, 2011

I would not recommend asking about pay and expected raises during an initial interview. I do recommend asking about the population, duty expectations, alternative to restraints/seclusion and accessibility of doc/NP's and nursing supervisors. Also, inquire into specialized training avaiable to staff.

germanshep · Mar 2, 2011

Thanks! I think the facility uses the RN pay scale and start all new grads at the same rate.

elkpark · Mar 2, 2011

If you haven't already, you may want to look at some of the existing threads here about HCA as an employer ...

germanshep · Mar 2, 2011

Thanks! I will start to look at the threads. I did a clinical at an HCA facility and liked the facility, just not the staffing.

Meraki · Mar 2, 2011

I would ask lots of questions about their philosophy of care...

What is their philosophy and practice about restraints and seclusion? Many facilities have moved to least / no restraint and I'd be wary of any place that hasn't.

What is their philosophy and practice of family involvement? Do they have femily centered care or is family involvement seen as a reward (not good IMO)

What is their approach to care...is it trauma informed? behavior modification? collaborative problem solving?

What kind of programming do they have? Are the kids busy / structured or is there a lot of free time? (you don't want much free time)

What resources do they have for deescalation - is there somewhere for the kids to run around? take space? activities to distract?

How does the team work - do the disciplines collaborate and work well together? Is it a medical model?

I'd ask along those lines...also about staffing!

Oh and Congrats and Good Luck on the Interview!

germanshep · Mar 3, 2011

Thanks so much!! You gave great pointers and what to watch out for. I had no idea this unit could be so intense! Thanks again :)

Simply Complicated · Mar 3, 2011

Just wanted to say good luck. I transferred to psych about 4 months ago, and I love it.