what questions should a new nurse ask at an interview?

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I have just graduated, and will begin going to several interviews in the next 2 weeks. Any suggestions on what kinds of questions I should ask at my interviews to prospective employers? This is all new to me, and I want to make sure that I ask the right questions to learn about the nursing job, so that I can make a good decision about accepting any offers that may be made.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Hem/Onc, LTC, AL, Homecare, Mgmt, Psych.

  1. Can you explain the scheduling process?
  2. What is your nurse/patient ratio?
  3. Do you have 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts?
  4. How is the scheduling done for the unit?
  5. What are the current challenges that your company faces?
  6. What were the results of the last survey? When is the next survey scheduled?
  7. Is call required for this position? If so, what are the call requirements?
  8. What would be my primary challenges if I were selected for this position?
  9. How often are performance reviews conducted and what is your process?
  10. How does this organization feel about continuing education?
  11. How does the administration view nursing in terms of importance to the hospital?
  12. Are nurses allowed to suggest areas for research to improve patient care? If so, are they allowed to design and carry out research projects with other professionals?
  13. What unique challenges has this unit faced over the last year? (i.e. successes, failures, etc.)
  14. How long is the orientation phase and what can I expect?
  15. How much of the orientation phase will be spent on the shift I will be working?

This is the list that google gave me. I have used some of them at interviews too. Hope it helps! Don't forget to look up (google or just browse company web site) for information before you go in because they might ask you what you know about the place, why you want to work for them, what their core values/mission statement is etc.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

I agree with the above post. The most important question is concerning benefits package.

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Specializes in Hem/Onc, LTC, AL, Homecare, Mgmt, Psych.
I agree with the above post. The most important question is concerning benefits package.

How could I forget to add asking about the benefits package! :smackingf Yes that is very good to know as well.

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Specializes in orthopedics, telemetry, PCU.

Just don't start with asking about your benefits or how soon you can take time off :)

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.
Just don't start with asking about your benefits or how soon you can take time off :)

How soon to take time off would be a turn of for me if I was the interviewer. I would asked how do you accrual paid time off. The more time you accrual then you may request time off.

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1. How did this position become open?

2. What happened to the last nurse in this position?

I only ask those 2 questions if the interviewer ticks me off and I know I don't want the job. They will never tell you that the last nurse ran off screaming in horror after 4 hours on the job!

3. If I accept this position, how will I learn my new job here at X?

4. May I speak privately with 2 potential coworkers knowledgeable about this position? If they say no, run away fast!

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This site has interview practice video and information about coverletter & resumes.

I hope it helps you.

Cheers,

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If the answers won't be of significance to you, don't ask them.

I'm on our unit hiring committee. We interview the final few applicants and make the final decision on who to hire.

Here are some good questions, in my view:

1. Does the unit utilize aides? If so, how?

2. What sort of computer system do you use, and how extensively is it utilized? Is charting all computerized? Do you use bar codes and scanners when giving meds?

3. Do you have 24 in house physician coverage? (IE, if someone is going downhill fast, is there a physician to do a bedside evaluation?)

4. What sort of orientation is offered, and how long will it last?

5. What sort of continuing ed is offered through this facility? If ACLS/PALS/NRP, etc is expected for working on the unit, when will I be able to take those classes?

6. Can one of the nurses give me a quick tour of the unit? (You can get a decent feel for the unit in a quick five minute tour)

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