RE: New RN positions

[Zar]

What are some good questions to ask an employer when i interview. I just became a R.N. this week??

What units do you think are ok to start on? I have applied to a trauma one hospital. They have a critical care 24 week intership, that qualifies me to work everywhere for critical care, as long as i work for them a year. Thoughts please.Zar

[TooterIA]

I think you should apply to whatever unit interests you. The internship idea sounds fantastic and one year really isnt very long to commit, you could learn a ton in one year.

No matter what unit you interview for, I would first ask what kind of an orientation you are going to get, as in length, who you would be with, etc. I think as a new nurse it is very important to be with someone in the beginning and then have someone VERY helpful around for when you need it. I have seen too many nurses come to my hospital and get short and crappy orientation, and quit out of frustration. I would ask how many patients each nurse generally takes, then add a few to it, because usually they wont tell you the real number. Ask if there will be nurse's aides on the unit to help. Ask how long you have to stay on one unit before you can try another. Ask how long it could be before you get to day shift, if that is something you desire for the future. Ask what kind of oppurtunities to advance there are, as in maybe some years down the road you want to be charge nurse. ask if there is tuition reimbursement. ask about benefits, uniform policy, and anything else you can think of. Ask for a tour of the unit. My guess is you will want to be very well informed about the unit before you commit to working on it.

Jessica

[Zar]

I think you should apply to whatever unit interests you. The internship idea sounds fantastic and one year really isnt very long to commit, you could learn a ton in one year.

No matter what unit you interview for, I would first ask what kind of an orientation you are going to get, as in length, who you would be with, etc. I think as a new nurse it is very important to be with someone in the beginning and then have someone VERY helpful around for when you need it. I have seen too many nurses come to my hospital and get short and crappy orientation, and quit out of frustration. I would ask how many patients each nurse generally takes, then add a few to it, because usually they wont tell you the real number. Ask if there will be nurse's aides on the unit to help. Ask how long you have to stay on one unit before you can try another. Ask how long it could be before you get to day shift, if that is something you desire for the future. Ask what kind of oppurtunities to advance there are, as in maybe some years down the road you want to be charge nurse. ask if there is tuition reimbursement. ask about benefits, uniform policy, and anything else you can think of. Ask for a tour of the unit. My guess is you will want to be very well informed about the unit before you commit to working on it.

Jessica

Thank you so much. Zar