Student Nurse & Hospitals

stn2003, RN · Apr 10, 2006

i know others will be able to give you a more thorough list, but here are some things i considered:

Nurse to patient ratios for different shifts (or RN:LPN:PCT: patient )

How long and with whom is the orientation?

How are shifts split- eight hours or 12s?

Is full time 40 hours or 36?

How is sick time/ETO time accrued/used?

Is there a policy on how soon you can be pulled to another unit?

Hourly rate + shift differentials/ incentive money/ OT

Do they pay for continuing education and/or BLS/ACLS/PALS/EKG/Certs

kathy0127 · Apr 10, 2006

Thanks for the info. It gives me an idea what to consider when I start job hunting.

maolin · Apr 10, 2006

Will you have one preceptor or several? Do preceptors volunteer or no? What kind of experience do the preceptors have - on the unit, special training on being a preceptor?

Is continuing education, attending special courses encouraged? Supported? Are they going to give you a hard time for wanting to attend seminars? Free CEU's offered?

Scheduling policies - self scheduled or assigned? When are schedules posted?

Floating policies.

Opportunities to do skills - what skills, what frequency of performing skills.

Ask for a tour of the unit. What does the general vibe feel like. Does staff appear friendly and supportive of each other. Is it tense and cold?

These are things I asked about and looked for when considering where I'll go when I graduate. The first job out of school is the most important - the foundation of your practice. You're entitled to make sure the prospective unit will be a good match for your needs. I lucked out and landed my dream job on the perfect unit (perfect for me, that is).

Good luck!!

kathy0127 · Apr 12, 2006

Thanks for the suggestions. You mentioned a few things that I have not considered yet. Hopefully, I will get to land my dream job, also. Have a great day!