What I wish I had known/asked before....

[cheddaz]

In the spirit of graduation, new graduates, and interviews, I thought we could share what we should of, could have and would kick ourselves for not asking before we were hired! My top five:

1. Was told the pt. ratio was 1:6...should have asked to see some old assignments...it is more like 1:9...my manager must have been seeing that 6 upside down! What is the aide ratio? I have 9 pts, the aides are working with 15-19 depending on the shift...and they wonder why our fall rate has increased--(I work in neuro)!

2. Self scheduling...sure my manager said we had it but when she changes the schedule and you really never get any days/shifts desired is this what I would have done to myself? Better yet when she changes the schedule after it is posted and 'forgets' to tell you....

3. Really should have asked more questions regarding additional "requirements"...there are the monthly meetings, additional education (hey, I'm all for education but pay me for it...stroke module took everyone 4 hours to complete and we only received 1hr pay)...the hospital competencies ..etc. I swear this is a full time job itself!

4. Ahh my favorite...orientation. "You will receive 3 months orientation from our best nurses..." Okay in reality, the best nurses had only been working 1 year. How great can you be when you just started yourself? As for the 3 months, try more like 1 month and really "you should be able to do this yourself"....I would only apply to places that have set programs and preceptors with experience. Anyone one had a great orientation let me know....I would be happy to relocate....

5. Transfers. Sure there are postings, I apply but never get called. I put in for 42 transfers and finally called HR. Turns out my manager told them I was not interested. I had even asked her prior if she was blocking me....heavens no. My floor has needs so why would they let me go.....

I really should have asked more detailed, in depth questions but I was young...desperate (there is no shortage in WI)...I actually love my job, love the people I work with but cannot stand where I work. So new graduates get every detail you can! Good luck.

[mmperkins1]

Great suggestions. I will be graduating next year. Any more advice from seasoned nurses? What are the most important things to look for in an employer, that can be found out during the interview process???

[starcandy]

In the spirit of graduation, new graduates, and interviews, I thought we could share what we should of, could have and would kick ourselves for not asking before we were hired! My top five:

1. Was told the pt. ratio was 1:6...should have asked to see some old assignments...it is more like 1:9...my manager must have been seeing that 6 upside down! What is the aide ratio? I have 9 pts, the aides are working with 15-19 depending on the shift...and they wonder why our fall rate has increased--(I work in neuro)!

2. Self scheduling...sure my manager said we had it but when she changes the schedule and you really never get any days/shifts desired is this what I would have done to myself? Better yet when she changes the schedule after it is posted and 'forgets' to tell you....

3. Really should have asked more questions regarding additional "requirements"...there are the monthly meetings, additional education (hey, I'm all for education but pay me for it...stroke module took everyone 4 hours to complete and we only received 1hr pay)...the hospital competencies ..etc. I swear this is a full time job itself!

4. Ahh my favorite...orientation. "You will receive 3 months orientation from our best nurses..." Okay in reality, the best nurses had only been working 1 year. How great can you be when you just started yourself? As for the 3 months, try more like 1 month and really "you should be able to do this yourself"....I would only apply to places that have set programs and preceptors with experience. Anyone one had a great orientation let me know....I would be happy to relocate....

5. Transfers. Sure there are postings, I apply but never get called. I put in for 42 transfers and finally called HR. Turns out my manager told them I was not interested. I had even asked her prior if she was blocking me....heavens no. My floor has needs so why would they let me go.....

I really should have asked more detailed, in depth questions but I was young...desperate (there is no shortage in WI)...I actually love my job, love the people I work with but cannot stand where I work. So new graduates get every detail you can! Good luck.

You must work at my hospital. :chuckle

[gwlillith]

Great suggestions. I will be graduating next year. Any more advice from seasoned nurses? What are the most important things to look for in an employer, that can be found out during the interview process???

get it ALL in writing!!!! (if you can!) lol

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

cheddaz- I think I can sum up your problem- you NM lies to you. A different floor would hopefully be better, and if you feel comfortable put in writing all that you have told us as WHY you need the transfer and send it to HER boss.

It's wise to ask the nurses that have been working there a while what problems they have had to face, and if they were satisfied with the solutions. Informally-so they can answer honestly. Also, ask your boss the same thing, and make sure the interview process goes both ways so they know you value your own talents and won't be putting up with any bait and switch or dishonesty.