Subacute/Rehab Interview

[Dani_Mila, ADN, BSN, RN]

Hi All,

I moved this from Rehab section as it is a bit slow there.

So, I received a call from the recruiter after applying 2 days ago. I was ecstatic and at the same time scared. I set up an interview next week. Anyways, the recruiter asked me what position I was looking for and I said RN and she asked if I am applying for charge nurse or supervisor position. I said that I am a new grad and asking for a floor nurse position at their place. She said that they have an available position for me. She mentioned the schedule but they were kind of confusing. She said something about 7-3 in 10 days and something about 2 weeks. I asked her again but really confused and I only understood the Part Time one (4 days Fri,Sat,Sun 1 week and next week Wed). So, I asked if I can apply to all and she said that I can negotiate with the DON during interview. Anyways here is where the uneasiness starts...

She asked me a pay rate. I am a new grad and inexperience and don't really know what to say so I asked her what they normally offer at their facility. She said that they start usually $24/hr for new grads. However she said it is negotiable as it is based on someone's experience. Again she told me to negotiate with the DON. I think this is a bit low in my opinion. I have friend who works at a similar facility and she is making $28-30/hr.

I asked her about how long the orientation usually and she said about 3-4 weeks and that they normally do not let nurses go on their own until they are ready....Again this may change as some places might actually not stick to what they originally says they were going to do. I understand that 3-4 weeks is being generous as some places actually only have 3 days Orientation.

I also asked the nurse/patient ratio. She told me that it is 60 patients per floor and that each floor has 3 nurses. So, in short, if I get the job I would have 20 patients. This actually made me feel very uneasy. My friend who works at a similar facility handles about 13 patients but she is not very happy and is actually quitting as she said it is a lot of workload and paperwork (she also does admission and discharge).

I checked the facility's reviews and some were positive and most were negative and most were dated back 3 years ago.

Anyways, anyone have any input on this?? Anyone have an Interview suggestions or tips for me?? This will be my very first nursing interview job so I am very nervous.

Thank you!

[imaneedmycoffeefirst89]

Yea, that sounds like a typical Nursing home, rehab or LTAC. Most of these paces will say you'll be on orientation for weeks and really it'll be three days. My first job had me o orientation two nights and third night they were short and so i was on my own. I left after a week. My second one was better i was trained for about a week and felt a little more confident. The nursing/patient ratio at these places are usually 18-22, that's the most I've had. Just keep in mind once you get the hang of things most of it will become routine, UNLESS something happens like a fall, death, admission or transport. Those do require time and a lot of paperwork, but if you have good co-workers to help that works. Also keep in mind, medication can be administered an hour before and an hour after so that gives you two hours to pass meds. These types of places are not easy, some love it some dont, but either way ALWAYS cover yourself and DOCUMENT. As far as the pay, i'm an LVN with three years experience and get a tad bit less than you, IMO 24 is a bit low for an RN, even graduate, especially in a facility like that.

[Dani_Mila, ADN, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the input. I am still reeling about the 20 patients work load while my friend couldn't even handle 13 patients. I believe she and I are the same confidence wise, however she has a little bit more experience than me. I also think $24 for a pay rate is quite low. I think the recruiter said that and probably took advantage of it as I am a new Grad nurse. I am not really concerned about the pay. I am just concerned of having a good preceptor?? Although, again, that patient ratio scares me. LOL. I am still debating that IF I get the job, if I will actually take it. I did tell the recruiter that I am a NEW GRAD with no experience. So, hopefully they take it into consideration.