Interview with a pain clinic- red flags?

[Rocketeer]

Hi all, I am a new grad and I have an interview soon for an ambulatory surgery/pain management clinic. The hours are great, the guy seemed very positive on the phone, and this could be a real opportunity. However, in researching the facility online, I found bad reviews- mainly complaints about wait times, rude doctors, etc. I already know some pain clinics have a bad rap, and now I have concerns about this job.

Can anyone give me some key questions to ask in an interview that would raise red flags? What is the most diplomatic way to ask about poor patient satisfaction? What should a newbie nurse watch out for in one of these clinics? Thanks!

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

I work in a primary care clinic and although we do treat chronic pain for some people, many of them are sent to a pain specialist, or request to be sent to one when they don't get what they want from us. Many of the patients are dissatisfied for whatever reason (not getting enough narcs, drug screens come back dirty, or negative for what is being prescribed) and go from pain specialist to pain specialist...looking for what no reputable doc will give them. Keeping this in mind, I would be very surprised if anonymous online boards were not full of complaints about even the best pain clinics. As other posters have said, consider the audience.

Also, I firmly believe that a good doc is worth waiting for, so wait times do not necessarily concern me.

[Rocketeer]

Thank you for the input everyone! Lots of great feedback. I'll treat the interview like any other- do my homework, and not judge the place before I even get there. I won't ask about the internet ratings, but just try to feel the place out for myself.

I know that pain management is important, but the few bad apples and government crackdowns in my state make me a little nervous about starting out there. My ultimate goal is OR nursing and I'd like to get experience in a procedure clinic like this, but I don't want to be naive. Thanks again!

[nursel56]

Nursing jobs for recent grads are not as easy to come by as they used to be. My advice to you is to not mention anything about what you read. No matter how diplomatic you are, it will put your interviewer on the defense. It's a job and your foot in the door toward your nursing career. Knock them dead on the interview, land the job, and if it is truly that bad, at least you are employed in the field until you find something else.

I agree. Best wishes, Rocketeer!

[patekgtech]

I had thought to throw out to you before you apply at this Pain Clinic. Get the Doctors names who practice there and look them up through the state medical board site. U get their school, their speciality, any violations in practice and any fines paid. Also look for Anthesiologist as pain doctors. Due to their extensive education with the CNS and Medication they are some of the Best and Respected Pain Management Doctors and they are less likely to endanger their $180,000.00/ Year income on a non-legit operation. You will always be one of the best if you fly with Eagles. And don't mention any of this research in your job interviews or to fellow employees. Just let them know what you can do to help improve their quality of patient care. That's what they want anyway is an asset to help the team do a Better Job. I didn't say Superstar, don't be Cocky. Just be confident, tell them what you have done above and beyond the average student or employee and be positive. Don't complain about your past and be positive about growth and learning in the future. I wish you the best of luck. I hired people for 14 years and I speak from experience.

[Guest372004]

Patekgtech

I can't imagine one of those "pill barn" places hiring a RN. They are not giving conscious sedation, nerve blocks, stimulator implants. I saw the same program on these places and interesting that most are in Florida. But I agree, good to check it out.

[BelleNscrubs04]

I would definitely debate the current job prospectus for newly graduated RN's with you. I stand by my assertions that in this economy and job market, if a job is offered to you (that you applied for), take it and then with time, evaluate whether or not you want to stay or leave. If you decide to leave, at least your able to pay your bills until you find something else.

I'm not really interested in debating the job market for new grads. I know that in many areas it's difficult right now. My point was that most on here seem to assume that is the case everywhere but there are areas that doesn't hold true (at least yet). In my area, (which I don't really disclose because of safety/privacy concerns) almost all of the grads found jobs shortly after graduating. Many before graduation and most at the local hospital.

My main point was that while you certainly can't hold out for your dream job in many places, you should still be cautious about making your first experience one that is going to help you toward your goals. If it feels like it's not a good fit, then it probably isn't.

And I don't think I was as clear as I should have been in my first post. I certainly wouldn't mention that you viewed low patient satisfaction ratings online. I would mention that patient satisfaction was important to me though,and contemplate their reaction. I'd also ask other questions about the clinic when given the opportunity, and generallly try to get a good feel for the place before excepting a positon.

[asian67, BSN, RN]

I'm with you hundred percent.

[Rocketeer]

Update: I got the job! Thank you again for all the advice. I researched the facility and MDs' licenses and it appears to be a completely respectable place with a good record. It may not be a forever job, but it's a great foot in the door!

[nursel56]

Great news! Congrats!

[OpenHeartRN24]

I would recommend doing whatever your heart desires, but for me personally I could never work in a place like that. I never have worked in one, but I just don't think I could. I don't feel that places like that or just a general MD office gives you any chance to gain any type of actually nursing skills. Again, I have never worked in a place like that so please no one be offended. I have worked open heart recovery and er. I constantly have to be in some type of action and chaos. I constantly have to be learning something new and I just don't feel like you could obtain all of those skills in a place like that. If you are seeking knowledge and a place to have an opp to learn as much skills as possible I would recommend trying to find an icu or er job. If a pain clinic job is what you want though you should always go with what you want or you wont be happy. thanks.

[nursel56]

Don't let posts like that bother you, Rocketeer. It happens.

[whd13b]

Congratulations! Don't forget to take a picture of your first paycheck and buy yourself something memorable with it! You worked hard to get where you are and you deserve it!