interviewing

[HollieLPN09]

i have had 5 interviews in the last month. have not gotten any of the jobs. i do ok until they start asking if i have any questions. i never really know what to ask. most of the time they have already anwsered my questions before i get to ask them. also when is it appropiate to ask what the rate of pay is and how do you ask for more money.

im so lost and frustrated, i know i can do the job and i can do it well if i could just get into a job.

[L8RRN]

Look up some examples of questions online. Stuff like what are nurse-patient ratios, do they use computerized charting, computerized med pass, orientation, etc. I took the questions in on a piece of paper in a nice binder and when they asked if I had questions I looked at my paper for a moment and said something to the effect of them covering my questions in the interview.

As for money, that is generally handled when you are offered the position. I wouldn't ask in the interview. I did have one place give me a sheet with the pay chart on it (it was a state run facility), though.

Good luck

[MaraG.]

I have used some of the following questions:

What is the greatest challenge that a nurse will face on this unit? What are the RN/LPN relationships like?

What is the staff morale like? What is done to help keep a positive spirit when things get tough?

As an LPN, it seems every unit has a different approach to pt assignments. Is there a team approach to care or are the assignments fairly autonomous?

How often is there turn over?

Are there educational opportunities available, such as wound care classes, palliative care in-services?

What is the LPN/RN ratio?

If none of these questions work for you, then take a look on line a some web sites that can help you develop your own questions.

Hope that helps.