what questions should a new nurse ask at interviews?

[scrublifenurse10, LPN]

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!

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I did the same thing. My questions were all unit specific.

What I did was research the unit I was interviewing for, in my case NICU.

I had never stepped foot inside a NICU in my life so I googled, youtubed, and read my old maternity/peds books like mad and just came up with questions that I thought were relevant to my unit.

[Bobbkat]

Should I ever get an interview I will ask about the unit culture. What it the turnover rate like? How are nurses valued on the unit? Are the nurses allowed to have input in how the unit is run? How does the hospital show it's value for nurses? Are nurses encouraged to be involved in the hospital through committees (or in other ways)? What are the 'usual' ratios? Are assistive personel part of the unit? Do the different job roles work well together and display respect for each others contributions? How are conflicts resolved?

Those are just a few off the top of my head.

Aerorunner, I'm so jealous of the NICU position! My Mom is a NICU nurse, my daughter was in the NICU, I've shadowed in the NICU, but I just CAN'T GET AN INTERVIEW! Grrrrr....... I've read all her NICU literature for years....I could shine in an interview if I could just get one.

But back to the topic at hand....

[llg, PhD, RN]

Too many nurses (both new and experienced) make the mistake of asking only questions about the work environment, what it is like to work there, and "what's in it for them." While those questions are important, if that's all you seem to care about, it will make you look bad.

Managers want to hire people who are interested in working in that unit, interested in the type of patient that is typically there, and people who want to do that kind of work. So ... be sure to include questions that show your interest in these things, too. Ask about the patients, their needs, the resources available to them, etc.

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

what are the opportunities for advancement?

what in-service will I need to do?

what if I need more orientation, is it available?

what are some of the 'typical' meds and procedures used here? I'd like to 'study up'?

is there any unusual equipment used that I need to learn about?

who will provide training? on an ongoing basis?

ask for a written job description. are there other tasks that are not listed?

[Olive_RN]

I just finished my interviews and got 2 offers. I asked things like:

Pt acuity?

Nurse-to-pt ratio?

How long has the nurse manager been on the floor/unit?

Does the charge nurse take pts also?

Nurse turnover?

Usual length of stay of the pt?

How is scheduling handled, ie self-scheduling?

These questions REALLY helped me when it came down to deciding which job to take. Also try to mention your experience relevant to the job. For example I interviewed for a surgical floor, so I was sure to mention that I did clinical on a surgical floor. Also, the hospital has barcode med administration so I explained that I had experience with that also from clinicals. Just try to stay calm and confident. You'll do fine! Good luck!!