What to ask a Nurse Manager

kharma09 · Feb 3, 2006

Just a few of the things I might ask include:

- Staffing, acuity, patient ratios to nurses and aides.

- Scheduling requirements and how it is done. Is there self scheduling? How many weekends a month, holidays a year, if you'll be required to float or rotate shifts, how call offs are done and whether overtime is mandatory.

- Benefits, vacation days, opportunities for advancement or continued schooling.

- Is there a sign on bonus? Many facilities budget for this but will not offer it up front unless specifically inquired about.

- What is your support in emergency situations? Do specific staff from other areas resond to these so that for instance, you can be readily available for the family or md.

- Orientation period, payscale, bonuses, shifts differentials.

- Your specific position and who you report to or what licensed personnel may be working with or reporting to you.

- Ask to take a tour of the unit (this will both impress the nurse manager as well as educate yourself). Do the employees seem very stressed? Is it smelly? Does it seem organized? I did not accept a job once because I noticed that the employees didn't seem comfortable around the nurse manager although she seemed quite nice to me. I accepted another area in the facility and later on after speaking with employees from that floor, knew my instincts had been right.

- Floor licensing or educational requirements.

I hope this helps. Some of it may not be applicable to your particular situation and I do tend to go into the greater details when i'm looking for something longterm as opposed to the short. :)

angel_82 · Feb 3, 2006

Thank's for replying. I will definately consider asking the nurse manager these questions and have a good eye when I tour the unit. :coollook:

kukukajoo, LPN · Feb 5, 2006

I love this information. Any way to make it a sticky so others can add on and when I am interviewing in two years I can find it?

Thanks for sharing some great points!

Sapphy, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2006

Be careful about the answers to your questions though. I asked about staff/patient ratios and my answer was 8-10.... she was close... but I have never had less than 11 and sometimes I have had 20!!