Would you hire?

[Traveler0202]

I'm moving this summer and will need to interview for new positions. I am starting to work on my resume and preparing for the interview process but am wondering about this part of the interview: "Do you have any questions about the position or this unit?"

As a staff nurse there are many important questions I would have about a work place such as:

- What model of care is used? Ancillary staff used?

- Are there ratios in place or an acuity tool used for making assignments?

- What is the scheduling method used?

- How do you assure patient care during lunch breaks?

- Does the charge nurse take a patient load?

- How do you handle low-census?

If you had a candidate asking these questions would you be put off? I feel these are important questions as they are strong influencing factors on job satisfaction and unit workflow. However, I wouldn't want to seem fussy or demanding, I only want to inquire, to get a good picture of a workplace.

Are any of these questions appropriate? Maybe not so many... limit number of questions?

I would really appreciate feedback as I prepare for my job hunt this summer!

Thanks for input.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Those are awesome questions and I absolutely would not be put off by answering them. In fact, it shows critical thinking and experience, which would impress me. I far prefer any questions at all to the candidate that says she has none at the end of the interview.

[Traveler0202]

Those are awesome questions and I absolutely would not be put off by answering them. In fact, it shows critical thinking and experience, which would impress me. I far prefer any questions at all to the candidate that says she has none at the end of the interview.

Thank you for the feedback. I think a healthy interview process should have some two-way exchange but wasn't sure what opinions were are on the other side of the fence.

Much appreciated, thanks!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I don't have a problem with any one of those questions ... but I would caution you about asking them all at once, one right after the other. It can make it sound as if you only care about yourself -- and that you have little flexibility about the way things are done. (e.g. You have your favorite way of scheduling and if they do something differently, then you will be grumpy/complaining about it.) Be careful about how you phrase them and how you react to their responses. There really ARE multiple ways to do things that are OK. Don't make it appear as if you only approve of 1 way.

Also ... intersperse these questions with other questions about the patients ... their needs ... the resources available to meet those needs ... etc. Demonstrate that you care about these patients and want to take care of them. Asking only about things for yourself can make it appear that you are only interested in yourself. Directors want to hire people who also care about the patients and their colleagues.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Great questions!

I think the first two would be the most important for me to know answers for. These answers also would help me figure out if I interested in working in that unit.

From there, maybe assess the interviewer and see if they seem interested in more questions or are trying to wind up the interview.

[Neats, BSN]

I am always amazed at anyone who has questions, I love it that a potential employee would have questions and it tells me several things.

1. The employee is not afraid to speak up

2. That this person has thought about the position they are applying for in a serious manner (this related to detailed questions).

3. That you are serious with looking for a position in which you are qualified

4. You are interviewing me as much as I am intervening you

I just think win... win... win... all the way around.

You have a lot of great questions that some maybe answered during the interview, I would ask them all if I needed to. If I am applying to a position I want to know how they operate, how I would fit in. What my day would look like and how my challenges would be internally and externally. One of my last interviews I stopped the interview in the second round half way through, they described some things for the second time that went on for a long time period, they incorporated this into part of the daily operation, and clearly it would become a problem for me (same reason why the other person left) and I said you know I think this is not for me...I went on to say I believe in your business however the working environment would not be a good fit for me, I thank you for your time but am removing my name from consideration at this time...I was honest with them.

Just FYI the person they hired, quit after 3 months for the very same reason I did not take the position. They did call me back to let me know the position was being filled again and would I be interested...

Good luck to you.

[Traveler0202]

I don't have a problem with any one of those questions ... but I would caution you about asking them all at once, one right after the other. It can make it sound as if you only care about yourself -- and that you have little flexibility about the way things are done. (e.g. You have your favorite way of scheduling and if they do something differently, then you will be grumpy/complaining about it.) Be careful about how you phrase them and how you react to their responses. There really ARE multiple ways to do things that are OK. Don't make it appear as if you only approve of 1 way.

Also ... intersperse these questions with other questions about the patients ... their needs ... the resources available to meet those needs ... etc. Demonstrate that you care about these patients and want to take care of them. Asking only about things for yourself can make it appear that you are only interested in yourself. Directors want to hire people who also care about the patients and their colleagues.

Thank you for your thoughts. The last thing I want is to appear only self-interested. I also don't want to appear to presume my way is the best; I am mostly wanting to inquire about details that are not usually listed in the job description.

Mixing questions in with questions about patients and resources is a great idea.

In the end I just hope to find a place with good teamwork, great resources, and positive management style which all makes for great patient care!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful input.

[Traveler0202]

Quality responses all around; thank you so much for the constructive feedback!

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

I'm moving this summer and will need to interview for new positions. I am starting to work on my resume and preparing for the interview process but am wondering about this part of the interview: "Do you have any questions about the position or this unit?"

As a staff nurse there are many important questions I would have about a work place such as:

- What model of care is used? Ancillary staff used?

- Are there ratios in place or an acuity tool used for making assignments?

- What is the scheduling method used?

- How do you assure patient care during lunch breaks?

- Does the charge nurse take a patient load?

- How do you handle low-census?

If you had a candidate asking these questions would you be put off? I feel these are important questions as they are strong influencing factors on job satisfaction and unit workflow. However, I wouldn't want to seem fussy or demanding, I only want to inquire, to get a good picture of a workplace.

Are any of these questions appropriate? Maybe not so many... limit number of questions?

I would really appreciate feedback as I prepare for my job hunt this summer!

Thanks for input.

Excellent questions. Nope, I wouldnt' be put off by them. Well done to you for asking!