I went on an interview last week for an aide position on a med-surg floor. I was so surprised how the interview went. I spoke with HR first and everything went well.
Then I was taken up to the floor and spoke to another person. We went through and I answered a bunch of questions. One was: if you see a coworker not doing what they should be doing, what would you do? My answer was that I probably would leave it up to the RN to deal with it. In my mind, they are the ones in charge, right? Well that was the wrong answer. The interview went on in that manner. So I am aware of the fact that I am giving off a non-confrontational vibe.... and that isn't what was wanted. But I know that when pushed, I do push back. I wasn't sure how to explain that I stand up for myself without sounding aggressive. (Which I generally am not.)
I knew my interview was tanking but I couldn't quite figure out what I was doing wrong. So I ended up tripping over my own tongue and more or less making a mess of it. I wasn't given a clear picture of what the expectations were. So I am scrambling and felt like a bug under a microscope. This painfully ended and my hopes of getting the position fell.
Then an employee holding the position that I was interviewing for came in to talk to me. She told me how she has been treated and how things are needed to change on the floor. After she told me what was going on there, I couldn't believe it. Apparently over half of the people there don't do their jobs and this severely impacts patient care. So now I see why I was asked what I would do. If hired I would be a change agent of sorts. This person liked me and I was able to expand on my former experience. But I was surprised that this responsibility was being asked of an aide.
So now I have 2 out of 3 that liked me...and 1 of the 2 doesn't really count. I have no clue if I will be offered the position or not, but I would really like the opportunity. I know many people would think I was crazy and not to get involved in a thing like this, but honestly I like challenges.
I felt like I was really surprised with the direction the interview took. My questions are this: Is there anything I could have done differently? And what do you think of what they are asking?
Well I guess I did answer the question wrong anyway. I never thought about "What would you do if someone wasn't doing their job?" before. I said that it wasn't my place to "do" anything considering everyone would be either my peer or above. Huh. What kind of answer should I have given? I hate interviews. I am a good employee, but I really suck at interviews.
I don't know as far as the rest of it goes. I do know for a fact that the floor has issues. That is not just from me "guessing". I don't want to start this out on the wrong foot though....
The manager realizes she isn't going to change the floor without bringing in new blood. But the thing she is trying to guard against (my opinion) is bringing on someone new that will see what the others are doing and fall right in line with them. She is looking for someone to actually do their job, although there are many others that aren't. Plus, the way it was explained to me, if someone's call bell is going off, but it isn't your patient, what should you do? Answer the call bell. But if that person who SHOULD be answering it is just standing there ignoring it, what do you do? My response would have been to rely on the nurse to correct it, but the nurses aren't doing what they should be doing either. So bringing the call bell to their attention is the next step. And that is what she is looking for...not someone to take charge exactly.
I think that right now the staff is being given the opportunity to change. Then if they don't, well it will suck to be them.
I agree that they way to create change is to set an example. It is not my job (or any aide's job) to put anyone in their place. I have no problem going into a place and just doing my job. I don't know if this is the way to start out though. I have never worked in a hospital before and was really looking forward to it. I have to say that the people that interviewed me were pretty forthcoming with the situation and I have to give them kudos for that.
On the flip side, I need a job, yesterday. This would get my foot in the door and allow me to transfer within the hospital. It is only per diem for now. And that is if they even liked me...because I'm not sure.
This whole situation is just chewing on me. I can't stop thinking about it. Any more thoughts?
I hate to say how much your posts sounded like my first nsg job interview.... When I got out of that office I ran and did not look back.
Change Agent thing aside, this is a very high stress industry. There is really no perfect place to work, but I don't recommend going into a place that is crashing and burning. The laziness and unwillingness and poor pt care that occurs there is going to be a massive stressor. Particularly on those who do work, as your workload will be much higher.
Just reading your description made me picture favortism, whineyness, pettyness, and probably viciousness, going on in that unit. Why? Because they're obviously hurting their pts if they standard of care is so poor. And they obviously don't care that they're doing it. It's quite possible that you might end up being the topic of nasty gossip, pettyness, and so on.
It's great to live by example. But these people need discipline by the higher-ups. If they're not fufilling the job they signed on to do, that's management's job to fix, not yours. But if management is looking to pass the buck and not do their jobs, I guess it's not suprising everyone else there is too.
This has got to be the most bizarre interview process for a cna job that I've heard of yet! I can't believe they would have the cna come and tell you why she's leaving. What makes anyone think that they could handle it any better than someone who's been there? Why would management have the cna come and tell you all of the horrible things ruining this unit? Bizarre!!
I agree with other posters when they tell you that it's managements job to lead the change. Be careful if you take this position because you have no authority to bring about change and it will most likely cause you to be disliked right off the bat. If attitudes suck, then the facility really needs to look at their management team and style. The problem will start and end there.
Run run run as fast as you can! You will be miserable in a position that gives you no authority but all of the duties. It's hard enough to do the cna duties that you are responsible for let alone trying to be a manager as well. Sounds butt backwards to me.
So bringing the call bell to their attention is the next step. And that is what she is looking for...not someone to take charge exactly. 
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Cherry2000
149 Posts
Well I guess I did answer the question wrong anyway. I never thought about "What would you do if someone wasn't doing their job?" before. I said that it wasn't my place to "do" anything considering everyone would be either my peer or above. Huh. What kind of answer should I have given? I hate interviews. I am a good employee, but I really suck at interviews.
I don't know as far as the rest of it goes. I do know for a fact that the floor has issues. That is not just from me "guessing". I don't want to start this out on the wrong foot though....