2nd Interview: what should I ask?

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Hey all! I had an interview last week for a psych aide position at a state hospital. The interview went really well, but I wasn't expecting to hear back from them so soon as the interviewer told me they wouldn't be doing any actual hiring for several weeks. Anyway, received a call today for a 2nd interview tomorrow and an unofficial offer/start date of next Monday.

So I know it's super short notice, but I was wondering if anyone had some tips on what I might want to ask when I go in. I have never worked in healthcare before, only retail, so this is all new territory for me. We have already discussed hours/salary, and we are on the same page there. I also already know that I will get a 6 week orientation.

For a little more background, I will be working 12hr shifts in the float pool. I will be working with all age groups and all different disorders. I've received a copy of my job description and rights/responsibilities. So, I feel pretty informed already, maybe just a little over nervous because this is all new territory.

Thanks for any help :)

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

It's always good to ask what's expected from you as an aide. You said you work retail. Are you in nursing school or anything? I ask b/c it would be good for you and safer for the patients if you knew about common emergencies (i.e., hypoglycemia/low blood sugar) and life threatening emergencies and when to notify the nurse. Are you required to be BLS (basic life support) certified for the position?

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Show interest.

"What do you think is the best thing about working here?"

"What will be my biggest challenge?"

You should also ask about staff and patient safety if that hasn't been previously addressed.

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Specializes in ED.

Articrainbows,

This is going to be a huge eye opener for you. This field is very busy! If I were in your shoes, I would be wanting to know the saftey record. What type of system do they have in place for emergency situations? Are you working with women or male patients? Are your coworkers mostly one gender (female) versus a healthy mixture of both genders? Will you be night shift/ day shift and if working the grave yard shift; what type of resources will you have available when all the suits go home?

Does the place have a good working relationship with law enforcement and will they back you up in the event of an emergency?

Know that when entering a state hospital, they are usually understaffed; have a high turnover/ and burnout is common. Sadly, the mental healthcare system is severly disabled in this country. The front doors for most facilities are revolving doors for alot of patients.

Go in with your safety on your mind. Depending on the type of patient that you'll be working with depends on the type of gaurd you will have to keep up. Always keep it up. Take advantage of every CPI ( Crisis Prevention Intervention) class that they have.

Health care is exciting. So is this field. You'll either love it or hate it.

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It's always good to ask what's expected from you as an aide. You said you work retail. Are you in nursing school or anything? I ask b/c it would be good for you and safer for the patients if you knew about common emergencies (i.e., hypoglycemia/low blood sugar) and life threatening emergencies and when to notify the nurse. Are you required to be BLS (basic life support) certified for the position?

Right now, I am taking pre-reqs, and I start nursing school next fall. I will learn BLS and get certified during orientation. I also take classes on vital signs- the proper way to take them and normal ranges. By the end of orientation, I will actually be just a little shy of being CNA certified, so I am considering just taking the remaining hours at the tech college if I'm able to. I was really concerned about the training I would receive, and it -seems- adequate. However, I know there will always be room for improvement and growth.

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Thank you all for the replies! :)

I have gotten some great ideas for questions to ask and what information I need to know. I really would love to work in psych when I become a nurse, so hopefully this position will let me know if I'm a right fit and give me some great experience.

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