head nurse interview

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2003

Hoolahan and tookie, thanks for replying. I think it is certainly the most number of interviews for one job I have ever had. I am guessing they are having a hard time picking between the two candidates. Heck if I hang out long enough maybe the other one will drop out too! LOL.

I know they had a bad manager in place before so maybe they are just being cautious.

renerian

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Aug 2, 2003

What's the old saying" Once burned, twice shy?"

Still seems an excessive number of interviews. Do you still REALLY WANT this position and garbage most likely will need to clean up?

If the people seem really friendly and you sense postitive vibes then go for it. My only concern would be unrealistic expectations being heaped on your shoulders to bring place up to speed in a month.

Good Luck...trust what your gut tells you!

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2003

Thanks Karen. I think I connected with all but two out of all the interviews but they looked like unhappy folks when I first walked in the room LOL. I really would like to do it and will hang in there.........thanks for your post Karen!

renerian

WhiteCaps · Aug 2, 2003

A good friend of mine went thru a similar series of excessive interviews. It seems abusive to me. Do they have a problem making decisions? I hope you get the job and then get the chance to tell them what you think of their system of interviews!

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2003

THanks Whitecaps. Did your friend get the job? I am not sure why other than they eluded they had a bad experience. The position has been vacant over a year. No one of the floor wanted it.

renerian

Gardengal · Aug 2, 2003

Renerian

What a round of interviews you have survived! Now you get to see your unit leadership teammates......I once went through a similar round of interviews for a management position which had been vacant for a while (but 37 people sure beat my 17 in the 2 big group interviews). I discovered after I was offered the position that the MDs wanted to get my impressions on how to rebuild the team and how I could partner with them to do so.

I would have been better prepared if I knew a little more about each individual doc up front, but did OK by letting them state their concerns first. i.e when one MD said that communication was a problem and how would I fix it-I returned with a question of "What do you mean communication: with patient's, between nurses. between disciplines or top down bottom up with administration?? I think my question back, interested in the particulars is what gained their support in my getting the position.

I imagine since case management is involved in your interview process there is an issue of home care, hospice and placement of patients in which a collaborative approach is needed.

I wish you well. It sounds like you have weathered the worst of it, and now they are looking for a good fit for unit leadership. Ask them questions about what they are looking for in a leadership partner, you might find your best information with that question.

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2003

Thanks gardengal for the tips!

renerian

KatznKidz · Aug 2, 2003

Renerian, Good Luck with the position! Where is it that you will be working???? :smile: I wish I had a manager like that now. I am getting ready to switch jobs as we get ready to move. I think that would be AWESOME to be under a manager that wanted to support you to become the best nurse that you can! Good luck with everything! Sounds like you have what they are wanting!

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2003

Thanks Katz. If I get the job I will be working on hem/onc. I worked on a floor like that for over 6 years. I loved it. I was going to be a lifer but I had two family members in one calander year diagnosed with cancer and go into hospice. I was their primary caregiver. I got a leave for my grandmother but since my dad was diagnosed within a calander year I could not get another leave. I just could not work anymore so I had to quit. When he died I came back but my position was gone. I think I have alot of knowledge whereas the other nurse has been a unit manager/head nurse but has no oncology experience.

Thanks everyone for being so supportive.

renerian

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2003

WEll after meeting with 47 people to talk about this job I got an offer today. While I am very happy about the offer I thought the pay was low. I was told a staff nurse with my years makes 28.29 per hour. The head nurse, unit manager offer is only 30.25 which I think is low for all the headaches you would have???

Okay what do you all think?????

renerian

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2003

CONGRATS ON YOUR JOB OFFER! I think that is low pay, however I don't know what the going rate is for unit managers in ohio. Nor do I know about cost of living in Ohio. In my part of the world though I would consider it really low; just depends on how much you think you'd like the job to offset the relatively low pay.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Aug 14, 2003

Don't know either, Ren... couldn't even begin to say.... wages here are so low that this sounds pretty nice, RELATIVELY speaking, of course !

Just wanted to to send you congrats for receiving the offer to begin with ! I knew you'd do it !!! Woooooooot ! Now... time for you and them to sit down at the negotiating table.... you let them know what you're worth... and why they should compensate you accordingly. Help them understand why they NEED you ! Congrats and let us know what decision you all come to !