Dream job interview... What should *I* ask??

[punkydoodlesRN, BSN, RN]

I have landed an interview next week at my dream job and while I feel I am prepared for most questions they may ask of me, one that I'm not is "do you have any questions"....

So... Do you have any advice on questions I should ask? What do you wish you had known before you began your L&D career?

Thanks!!

[llg, PhD, RN]

1. Ask about orientation -- what type of orientation, how long, etc. What certifications or other special training will be available as part of orientation? What is available after orientation?

2. Ask about the patients. Managers usually want to hire people who actually care about the patients and the quality of care they will receive. I.e.: Ask what the typical patient is like ... do they come in well-prepared for child-birth? Do they come in having received minimal pre-natal care? What special services are available to meet their needs -- such as Social Work, Chaplains, etc.

3. Ask about any rules and regulations about who can be with the laboring mom/new mom

4. Ask about delivery room coverage by nursery personnel. Who is present during a low-risk delivery? Who is present for a high-risk delivery?

Those are just a few questions off the top of my head. I'm sure others will add to the list. I recommend focusing on the patients and their needs more than "what's in it for me?" during your first interview. Let them know you are more interested in doing this kind of work that you in the pay or scheduling. Save those questions for late in the process -- maybe even for after you have a job offer in hand.

[ejp80]

Nurse/pt ratio is a "smart" one. Do you have written protocols- ie pit inductions, iufd, amnioinfusions. How long is orientation? Do you get the same preceptor?

[punkydoodlesRN, BSN, RN]

Thanks! I'm a little familiar with the unit, as I completed my 120 hr preceptorship there, but still nice to have things to ask them! If they get to ask me, I think it's only fair that I have a few questions in return.

[Mr Midwife, BSN, RN]

A good question I used to ask and now tell my students (well the ones I like) to ask to the clinicans at their interviews "How long have you been in your current post and what aspect of your job do you enjoy most".

I feel this gives the student a few advantages as it takes the pressure off them for a few minutes to collect their thoughts, also gives you a feel for the way the unit is magaged and also does two good things for the interviewee.

It makes you stand out (interviewers remember the peoplewho come up with a new angle) and it gives the impression that you are looking for a place to develop your career and continue in rather than getting a foot in the door and leaving a few months later.

[punkydoodlesRN, BSN, RN]

it gives the impression that you are looking for a place to develop your career and continue in rather than getting a foot in the door and leaving a few months later.

Thanks!! That's exactly the impression I want to give because it's the truth!

[allthingsbright]

ASK ABOUT ORIENTATION! Seriously, as a new grad in L&D, you need AT LEAST 3-6 mos orientation to get off to a good start. I started L&D right out of school, have 6 yrs in, and love it but it is a very challenging specialty and different from any othe floor in the hospital. Good luck