First interview 7:1 patient:nurse ratio

[RNin, ASN, RN]

I graduated in May with an associate and would love to find a position in ICU as i would like to eventually become a CRNA. I have no prior medical experience.

I recently did a phone interview and it went well but the position is nights on a med/surg floor where I will be responsible for 7 patients. The orientation is a preceptorship for 3 months before I am on my own. It was mentioned that it's a busy floor with many discharges and admissions throughout the day and night. Another thing is that 99% of the patients are Spanish speaking and I would have to utilize the translator service in each room.

I'm worried if this would be a good situation to put myself in as a new grad. I asked if there was a mentor program after the preceptorship but thats a no. I know I cannot be picky as it's been very difficult to even secure this opportunity. I have a couple of application that are currently in the hiring managers status but thats no guarantee. Please help! I don't want to make the wrong choice.

[nurse brown eyes]

7 is far too much and they dont speak english, run from that job.

[Candyn]

I am working in a PCU, not a medsurg but I sneaked at their board when I transfer a patient to medsurg and they had 6 patients, so 6-7 on a med-surg floor is not bad. Plus a 3 months orientation sounds pretty good. Most place without new grad residency programs is 8 weeks or 2 months. The only downside is 99% Spanish speaking. How good are you at Spanish? I think I only look at whether it is a good hospital and whether the staffs support each other. Did you have a chance to ask or peer interview how the nurses on that floor manage with 99% spanish speaking patients? BTW where is this hospital at? Border? 99% is a lot

[RNin, ASN, RN]

It is a border hospital and I did not have an opportunity to speak to any of the nurses as this was a phone interview with the director of nursing. I have very little knowledge of Spanish but am very willing to pick it up as it would be beneficial for the future. I was inform that each room has a telephone for the translator service. Never used it before and do not know the ease of use.

[Candyn]

I know travel for interview can be costly but with phone interview, you never know what you get yourself into until late. If you want to be in safe place, you can ask for a tour around the unit. I got a job out of state and I went to in-person interview. Getting to talk to people who work there makes a big difference than just interviewing with nurse manger/director/HR. Yes learning Spanish nowadays is a BIG PLUS!!!