State operated vs Private Sector??

[beckyNCrn]

I am a Psychiatric Nurse in a state operated facility, with 12 years of service. I have never worked in the private sector, but was approached today with an opportunity for a change over to a private sector job several states away. What questions do I need to be asking during this process? Are there any red flags to be looking for? What experiences have others had-good or bad?

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

The biggest red flag is that it's a job in the private sector.

Sorry, couldn't resist. In all seriousness, it would depend on comparing compensation. As in wages AND benefits.

You would likely have some culture shock. Private facilities pinch their pennies. Be prepared for scarce supplies. Private facilities also tend to have high turnover compared to us government workers. Nurses where I work mostly have decades (plural) under their belt working for the place. You won't find that in a for-profit facility.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I'd ask about the staffing and about the patient population.

i have to disagree with the post above. Ive worked for not for profit hospitals all my life. Most people I know would rather work in the private sector, as oppossed to not knowing if their hospital would remain open, or if more psych beds would get slashed. The number of pennies we have to pinch are determined by the revenue we bring in, not the whim of our local politicians.

Also, I have no entrenched mediocre employees that are basically set for life unless they kill someone. Raises are based on performance and market adjustments.

Definitely take a look at the opportunity.