Nursing managers: what are you looking for in a staff nurse?

Davey Do · Jan 16, 2014

I was in Management in my second decade of Nursing, so I'll chime in:

Medication knowledge is a plus, as is symptom knowledge. Examples of dealing with Patient behavior often gave an indication of the Applicant's abilities. Experience ranked high on the list of qualities good to possess.

Finding a Nurse with fewer problems than the Patients they serve stands out, also. A Nurse who mentions their personal problems during an interview sends up a red flag.

The ease in which an Individual communicates is also important and can be a help or a hinderance in a professional relationship.

babynurse73 · Jan 17, 2014

Hi. Just a question. Why would ease of communication be a hindrance?

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QueeenB · Jan 17, 2014

I was in Management in my second decade of Nursing, so I'll chime in:
Medication knowledge is a plus, as is symptom knowledge. Examples of dealing with Patient behavior often gave an indication of the Applicant's abilities. Experience ranked high on the list of qualities good to possess.
Finding a Nurse with fewer problems than the Patients they serve stands out, also. A Nurse who mentions their personal problems during an interview sends up a red flag.
The ease in which an Individual communicates is also important and can be a help or a hinderance in a professional relationship.

I interviewed for a psych position and the hiring manager said he wanted someone with experience so they can "hit the ground running". This totally discouraged me. I'm so bummed out. How do I get experience if no one wants to give me experience? I want to be in psych, I don't want to be in the other units. I know beggars can't be choosers but how do I show them that I'm going to hit the ground running?

MrChicagoRN, RN · Jan 18, 2014

I interviewed for a psych position and the hiring manager said he wanted someone with experience so they can "hit the ground running". This totally discouraged me. I'm so bummed out. How do I get experience if no one wants to give me experience? I want to be in psych, I don't want to be in the other units. I know beggars can't be choosers but how do I show them that I'm going to hit the ground running?

No reason to be totally discouraged, but you do have to present yourself as the best available candidate for the job.

As one who hires, I ask:

What did you do to prepare, and how did you present yourself? Have you been doing your homework, studying the basics of PMHN? If you were asked something like the main difference between an antipsychotic and an anxiolytic, could you tell me? Can you tell me of a time when you deescalated an agitated patient or family member? I look for a genuine desire along with at least a basic knowledge of the principles of PMHN, and the ability to function in a stressful environment.

Think about this past interview, and how you can do it better the next time. It's a learning experience.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 18, 2014

I interviewed for a psych position and the hiring manager said he wanted someone with experience so they can "hit the ground running". This totally discouraged me. I'm so bummed out. How do I get experience if no one wants to give me experience? I want to be in psych, I don't want to be in the other units. I know beggars can't be choosers but how do I show them that I'm going to hit the ground running?

I got into the per-diem door as a new grad with zero psych experience. I will disclose that the saludictorian of our nursing school class had worked there as a nurse, and she recommended that I apply (I was the valedictorian). That may have helped me gain an interview.

Point being, try applying for a per-diem or part-time slot just to get your foot through the door. They may be a little more accepting of those with less experience.

Do what MrChicagoRN recommended: study up on psych nursing. Know the basics of therapeutic communication. Know the basics of handling patients with certain psych conditions, not so much the medications as the other non-pharmacologic interventions you will be using, since psych is not just all about drugging them up. Though do know the basic psych drugs and why they are used. I joke that I got the job because I knew what Cogentin was for.

Also, if you're already working in the same hospital, ask to float to the psych unit when possible. Even if you end up helping out more with grunt work (rounds, sitting on 1:1s, etc.) than actual nursing care, you'll get to see the environment firsthand, and they'll get to know you and that you are interested in psych.

Davey Do · Jan 19, 2014

Why would ease of communication be a hindrance?

Yeah. I worded that poorly, babynurse.

I guess I was referring to the different degrees of ease of communication. You know, if someone communicates easily, it's an asset. If someone does not easily comunicate, it's a hinderance.

Communication is a one of the biggest priorities in our field. It's like the old saying, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. All parties ned to be informed of matters pertaining to Patient status, treatment, care, goals, etc.

If there's a breakdown in that communication, the provision of services can suffer.

Thanks for asking for the clarification, babynurse.

babynurse73 · Jan 21, 2014

Thank you Davey Do! That makes a lot of sense!

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chevyv, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2014

Hearing that an employer wants someone with experience so they can hit the ground running can be a double edged sword. Things are done differently at each place so there has to be some orientation. Personally, I would like to have an employee who wants to learn and doesn't act like they know everything.

Some people are so good at what they do. I was lucky to land my first rn spot at the county mental health facility. They wanted new nurses with little experience because they could pay us less and train us the way they wanted us to be. Personally, I think the pay was more important to them but it worked out for me too. Never give up!

Cackalacky · Jan 28, 2014

Hearing that an employer wants someone with experience so they can hit the ground running can be a double edged sword. Things are done differently at each place so there has to be some orientation. Personally, I would like to have an employee who wants to learn and doesn't act like they know everything.

I agree. Play-up the fact that you're new, ready to learn, ready to apply skills, have the newest knowledge on the market from school, and still have the study skills to continue advancing your knowledge! Also, I have found in interviews for nursing and non-nursing, there are definite buzz words, like safety and assess (those words you had pounded into your head over and over in school!).