Considering RN position in LTC -- Points of Concern when interviewing

[TodayGod'sGift]

Hi... I am considering entering the field of LTC in a SNF as an RN on the night shift... My background is Hospice and In-patient physical rehabilitation... Although I have a few things in mind to ask, I was hoping that some of you might give me some insight as to what are the things that are most important to you that I should look for when interviewing for an RN position in a SNF....

Having worked in Hospice, I have have had some exposure to the SNF and have some pet peeves already developed! However, I thought some of you who are more experienced in LTC may have some suggestions for things that one may not think to inquire about until they were "on the job" and wish they would have known before they started to work.....

Suggestions anyone?????

THANKS!

[bargainhound, RN]

Ask to review a job description.

Ask what a typical night is like.

Ask who is your resource person for nights.

Speak to someone who has done the job for their insights.

Ask what the staffing is related to patient load.

[Kayzee]

I would ask to shadow for a night. It will give you a feel for the place.

[angelbear]

Very good suggestions. I like the shadowing idea spend some time with nurses on that shift and they very oftern will fill you in on alot of what the job is like and how management handles things. Good luck LTC always needs good nurses. PT to Nurse ratio and PT to nurse assist. ratio are biggies.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

Ask how they replace call ins, what do you do in emergencies do you have supplies (suction machine, Iv equiptment etc) , are the CNAs cpr certified, also ask when they have inservices when do they hold them for 11-7 shift are you forced to come in at 2 or 3?

I personally love nights but work 3-11 because of the kids. Nights gernerally is slow, but is seems like they are dumping alot more on them lately in our building. Good luck! let us know how you do

Michelle:cool:

[TodayGod'sGift]

Thanks to everyone who has responded... I had my interview today -- early morning.... You all gave me some great tips... I was offered the job on the spot, but they did give me time to think about it... I didn't have to tell them immediately... I really liked the facility and they have had deficiency free surveys for 6 years or so... also they retain their employees well.... a CNA has even been there for 21 years... imagine that.... I'm sure those are hard to come by... Anyway, I start orientation August 11... I am so excited....

Just wanted to say THANKS to all of you for your tips... They all made for a really good interview as I interviewed them as well as they interviewed me... I wanted something long term... I hate changing jobs every 6 months or so!...