Interviewing for Trauma Neuro ICU. What questions should I ask them?

Mini2544, ASN, RN · Jun 26, 2018

Congrats on the interview! I work as an RN in neuro ICU so I may be of some assistance. To be successful, I think you need to be able to assess a pt neuro status extremely accurate. In our unit, we get alot of post tpa patients, SAH, SDH, and hemmoragic stroke patients. They can go south very quickly and picking up on the minor changes is the first step to making an intervention. You can prob multi task fairly well coming from med surg. I would really play up your skills in that area. I would want to know about the unit structure...do you have techs? Do they have resource nurses to assist with the CTs and MRI's and you have to go to during the day. Who is responsible for watching your other patient? We ask our neighbor to help out with this but they also have two sick patients so thats not the best bet. I would also find out if you get a pay raise working in critical care. Our hospital doesn't do that. Anyways, ask anything you would like and I can try to help you out!

jennycRN · Jun 27, 2018

As was mentioned already, being a team player is really important in this type of environment. The frequent travels to CT and MRI necessitate a lot of teamwork and you should be comfortable asking for help and being willing to help out.

Likewise, attention to detail is extremely important. You have to be diligent in obtaining that neuro exam (maybe hourly, maybe more or less often) because changes can occur quickly that would require intervention.

I would want to know if there is in-house coverage at night by advanced practitioners. It is so great to have that type of back-up around both for routine orders and most importantly when things are going south.

Nutellanurse · Jul 3, 2018

Hm, I disagree with the previous post. Asking about pay raises during an interview, not really appropriate. This should be directed to your recruiter/HR contact.

And don't pry too deep into the staffing/who will be watching my patient... type questions. Maybe a question along the lines of "Who will I be working with on the unit?" will suffice. If you want to get the job you want to sound interested, not critical. If that makes sense.

I got hired at a very competitive critical care residency program in a mid-size urban hospital. Here's what I focused on

- Their patient population, what kind of patients do you treat? What modalities and treatments are used?

- How many beds on your unit? Length of orientation?

- Explain why you are interested in critical care... You have med-surg experience which makes you a good candidate, but what's your reason for wanting to work in an ICU? Have a solid one.

- Integrate your personality, be professional and self-assured

snobel444, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2018

Thank you guys so much ! I was offered the opportunity to shadow ! I'll keep you updated !! I agree w/ the pay raise ................................. a lot of the people interviewing actually don't even know that information! But I'm very great full for each & everyone of y'all help!

LovingLife123 · Jul 5, 2018

I work in this environment. I find that neuro is the most difficult part. Trauma is pretty straight forward. Most of them have lots of injuries, need blood, need some fluid. Many are vented and just need time to heal.

Neuro is a whole different ball game. Strokes, head bleeds..... these patients change is a minute. Fresh TPA patients need co start monitoring, head bleeds need close watching for swelling. You get to see brain drains and head bolts. It's all very interesting, but very intense.

Many of these neuro patients have extensive cardiac histories that has been the cause of their stroke. So lots of cardiac can come into play.

My past 3 shifts I had a neuro pt and a trauma pt that kept me so very busy!!! Lol. One ended up intubated, the other was a wild one.

Teamwork is vitally important. My pt with the neuro change needed an MRI and we could not go until 1800, but it needed to be done. My teammates pitched in and got the little things that needed to be done for shift change. I was eternally grateful and I would do the same for any of them.

LovingLife123 · Jul 5, 2018

I will also tell you we are 2:1 always. That's my hospital though. I could not imagine having 3 q1 neuro checks. That would be insanity.

I would pay attention to the teamwork when shadowing. That's going to make or break you on this type of unit. Does everyone pitch in on an admit? Can you ask for help with a turn? Does the unit have lifts? Are there any techs to help out? How long is orientation? Is there a mentor program in place to help you once off orientation?

You have a solid foundation already, but this is a whole other ball of wax. Neuro patients have almost broken me at times. Just make sure you will have the resources to get you through those difficult first months.