Interview for Acute Behavioral Health Unit - What questions would you be sure to ask?

arkool2004 · Feb 22, 2013

My interview was pretty traditional "give me an example..." My facility uses system wide interviewing questions. As far as questions to ask them I think asking what type and how long orientation is always a good one. I know you have worked in hospitals but bin new in psych having a good orientation may prove useful. A typical day is medications, assessing progress/meds, working with docs/case mgr to plan dc, and a lot of communicating, talking down, and deescalating situations as necessary.

metricalpound · Feb 23, 2013

The one question that I got asked that really threw me was, "This is a really acute floor and every nurse here has gotten their fair share of assaults done to them, what would you do if a patient punched you in the face?" I gave the best answer that I knew of - isolate the patient, keep other patients away from him or her, call security and follow hospital protocol. I got the job!

I would ask them what their nurse to patient ratio is; how each nursing shift is different from the other (evenings are usually harder than the other two shifts with nights being the easiest); and how they handle psych. codes.

Good luck!

Trueblood83 · Feb 23, 2013

Thank you arkool2004 and metricalpound for the advice!

What is a typical nurse to patient ratio on a psych unit? The one person I have talked to that works on a psych unit said their unit's ratio is 1 to 8.

This hospital only has two shifts 7a-7p and 7p-7a. I am interviewing for the day shift. So I guess part of the shift would fall into the evenings. I will be sure to ask them about how the shifts differ though. Thanks!

macfar28 · Feb 25, 2013

I would definitely ask what their nurse to patient ratio and what their mental health assistant to patient ratio is. I would examine the set up of the unit. I interviewed at a hospital that had 5 separate acute pods - 1 nurse and 1 tech to 10 patients. Not safe in my opinion. I would absolutely cover what the training/orientation is for both positions. The hospital that I just mentioned gave nurses 5 days and techs 3 days to orient. Being that there were 5 completely different units, this was outrageous. Safety is the most important factor in psych. Trust your instincts! If you feel there answers are evasive that could definitely indicate a problem. I had an evasive interview but accepted the position anyway - it was a second job, prn - and I lasted the first day of orientation. It was clear money was a greater priority over patient/staff safety and satisfaction. Good luck and I hope you enjoy whatever psych position you land. You will be a great asset to a unit with your past experience.

dashingdiva · Feb 27, 2013

I had my interview for a position in a behavioral health unit early february. The questions were generic "tell me about a time when you.." and about my mental health background during my clinical rotations. I asked about the orientation length (2 weeks but I could ask for an extension), the patient ratio (3-4 staff to 5-6 patients), their safety precautions in the unit, and policy about restraining/seclusion among other things. :) Working in a behavioral health unit is my dream starting point as I believe that this field, although it can really be stressful, is indeed very rewarding and enriching. :) Good luck fellow behavioral health RN!

Sailnskinurse · Oct 14, 2013

Anypsychiatric nurses in state run facilities have advice for a perspective nurse?