What should I ask in my interview?

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

I am applying at several hospitals for my first RN job EVER!! I am graduating in May and need some tips for the interview.

I know to ask about orientation time and whether I will float but that is about it. I have heard people say on this board that you need to "get everthing in writing" but what exactly does that mean?? Some things I would like to know are 1) can I transfer to another floor if I don't like it (not sure about specialty, was going to start on med-surg), 2) could I start on nights and then switch to days if my body isn't agreeable with it? Nights appeals to me because of the $$ but I have never worked them and am concerned I won't do well physically working nights. But how do you know until you try??? If I accept a night shift, am a locked into it?

These are some things I want to know but don't know how I should word these q's. I'd also like to know about pay but have been told not to ask that. WHEN do you ask that if they don't tell? That is not a huge issue because I am a new grad and there won't be any negotiating and because training is more important to me.

What are some acceptable, non-offensive questions to ask during an interview? What do I need to ask to get in writing. Do I just blurt out, "Um, can I get that in writing?"???? I don't want to go to some interview where they basically lie to me to get me on and then renig on everything, so how do you prevent that? I just want an HONEST deal.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Larry77, RN]

There are a ton of interview theme topics on this site so it would be very worthwhile to try a search.

My short answer...let the interviewer ask their questions and if you feel like it's going well and there is an opening ask the questions you are wanting to. Most nursing interviews I've been in I felt like it was more of a sales-pitch than anything...they were trying to sell the job to me, not me trying to sell myself to them. In those cases I was able to ask any questions I wanted--but it depends on the style of the interview. I do not feel there is a black and white answer to your question.

Larry

[Indy, LPN, LVN]

Some things you might want to not leave out though:

1. on call / mandatory overtime. Does it exist, how much is there, how is it handled?

2. Benefits. Get a basic outline at least.

3. Patient load! For gosh sakes don't forget to ask about that!

4. Who handles the unit's staffing and how do they respond to changes in patient acuity?

Hmm. I'm not coming up with anymore off the cuff... so umm. Maybe ask if there was one thing the manager could change about the unit with no restrictions, what would it be? Since you know, they get to ask you all sorts of weird questions too sometimes.

[TazziRN, RN]

I can tell you the answer about switching to days if your body can't handle nights....ain't gonna happen unless there is a day position available and there is no one with more seniority that wants it.

Ask how long your preceptorship will be and if you will be assigned to one preceptor, at least for most of your shifts. If the answer is No then you need to think twice about working there........new nurses who are bounced from preceptor to preceptor generally do not do well, because each person is teaching you something different.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Ask questions about the patients ... the types of patients on the particular unit, their most common problems, their length of stay, etc. Ask about any special services those patients might need. For example, are there Social Workers or Discharge Planners to help handle things like nursing home placements and for making financial arrangements for post-discharge care? What about coverage from Respiratory Care, Physical Therapy, etc.?

Show an interest in the patients, their needs, and in doing the kinds of things that nurses do on that unit. Keep in mind that the person doing the hiring is looking to hire someone who WANTS to be there and who wants to actually DO the type of work that needs to be done. By focusing only the benefits for the staff nurse (schedules, orientation, pay, etc.) many job applicants give the impression that they don't really want to do that kind of work and won't stay long unless the working conditions are perfect. The manager is looking for someone who actually wants to do that kind of work for a living and who will therefore, be more likely to do the work well and for a long time.

[DDRN04]

1. Patient load

2. Length of orientation

3. Shifts - can you rotate day/night (if you want to) or does going on nights make it permanent

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Check out this thread: Wondering why you can't get hired or promoted: Resume + Interview hints!