questions to ask at ER interview

[newfloridaRN]

im interviewing tomorrow for a new job in an ER. i have two years previous ER experience...i'm moving to a new state as well. i was trying to compile a list of questions for my interviewer/manager. can anyone add to the list i already have? i want to make sure i cover all of my bases. thank you all so much!!!

*Nurse to patient ratio

*Autonomy

*How many patients see per year? Month? Day?

*Holding hours/admissions?

*Report to floor

*Fast track? Hours?

*How many MD's on?

*Charge nurse

*Triage- primary & secondary? Wait times? Triage protocols?

*Bonus/moving relocation

*Differential

*Shift/hours

*Staff Meetings

*Orientation time?

[newfloridaRN]

anyone? please? its getting close to crunch time!

[Sarah, RNBScN]

You have covered quite a bit already.

? education monies for certifications held (ie: TNCC, PALS, ACLS, APLS, ENC) to name a few

? education days paid or renumeration for attending education seminars

? who evaluates your orientation

? what is the time frame of your orientation and are you with the same mentor throughout to assist with continuity of your adaption to the unit

Bonne chance

Sarah

[needsmore$]

Mandatory overtime?

On call?

Documentation style-computer-paper- T notes?

type of pt's you may see- trauma facility? alot of peds? Rural or inner city?

Shifts--flexible scheduling -rotating- 12 hrs vs 8 hrs-

Weekend schedule?

Holiday coverage?

How are nurses assigned to areas- how much experience do you need before sent to triage, or rotate to charge?

Do you utilize ED techs- if so- how?

Investigate the orientation period thoroughly---this could make or break a new hire-it is your first impression of the ED and it's staff- what is the trainer like--how long is orientation and do you have to be certain hours for a certain amt of time for training ?( this could be problematic if you're looking for nights and are expected to do up to 3 months on days)

What kind of prior experience do you have- monitors? critical care? ED? Medsurg?. Can you start IVs or do you need training- if so- these are items that need to be addressed as to how will you obtain this education. Do you have ACLS/PALS? Trauma ed? NRP?

I train many new/seasoned ED staff and there's nothing more frustrating than having a new hire do their 3 day hospital orientation- come to the ED and then tell me that they can only do 1 more week of day shift because of other obligations (day care-school, SO's job, etc). The educator than has to try to juggle a new hire with varied clinical staff who may not be the best preceptors but are the only ones available ...

This frustrates the new hire as they get a sporadic orientation with staff that are trying to do their patients and teach at the same time--

Good luck

Anne