I received a job offer and I can’t think of any questions to ask other than benefits package and wage raises and differentials. Any recommendation of things I wouldn’t know to ask that can be helpful in the decision making process?
What is the nurse patient ratio
Always ask about staffing ratios ; how the floors you might be ask to work on schedule lunch times and breaks . There are standards of care to adhere to also . You shouldn’t be timid about asking how many nursing assistants or nursing technicians they have in a staffing situation . Ask if LPN are utilized and if they are what is the role of the LPN .
I have been a nurse for over 32 years and staffing is the most important factor in. Delivering safe and compassionate care to a group of patients . Ask about how the other nursing personnel are trained .
Nursing technicians know how to monitor intake and output . They understand what to report to the nurse when they interact with the patients .
Nursing assistants that are hired and trained on a unit by other nursing assistants do not have much Knowledge they will not bathe patients in a way that is clean . I’ve seen washcloths stacked in a sink that everyone washes their haves in be the bath pan for a bed bound patient instead of a bath pan .
That’s a huge infection. Control problem .
Ask about observing a RN for a period of time before you take a job if that’s possible . .
Staffing’s as the training of the ancillary staff will determine whether the job will be a pleasure or a nightmare
How do scheduling changes work. What hours will you be expected to work. Is floating to other units common? What are the RN to patient ratios? What are the CNA to patient ratios? Are there continuing education opportunities for employees. Does the employer cover the cost of required continuing education?
"What's your turnover rate?"
If I am the successful candidate for this position, what would you like for me to accomplish in the first 30, 60, or 90 days?
you can always ask about the orientation process, staffing ratios, organization-based learning expectations and resources, accreditations they have...
Psychological Safety has everything to do with job satisfaction, enhancing healthcare outcomes, as well as nurse retention within an organization. You can ask what steps are taken within the organization to promote the four stages of psychological safety to enhance a healthy organizational culture.
This is important because leaders can transform their teams and organizations into sanctuaries of inclusion and incubators of innovation if individuals feel (1) Included; (2) safe to learn, (3) safe to contribute, and (4) safe to challenge the status quo. Psychological Safety is a condition in which you feel Included; Safe to Learn; Safe to Contribute; and Safe to Challenge the Status quo -- all without fear of being embarrassed, marginalized, or punished in some way.
The current emphasis within the nursing profession to assure civility in the workplace and to eliminate nurse bullying and incivility, the Four Stages of Psychological Safety are vital to improve organizational culture, staff and patient satisfaction, nurse retention, and healthcare outcomes.
You could also ask about how the organization prevents/reduces risk within the patient-care environment; what policies/procedures are in place. You could ask to review those.
Best Wishes to you,
Carol
One candidate I had interviewed asked me what my favorite thing was about the company. I thought that was a great question. I’ve also been asked what employees would say is one thing that new employees have the most difficulties with when they start in that new role. Those questions show you want more information.
Maybe potential for advancement and tuition reimbursement for advanced education?
Questions about the work environment and schedule.
What is the turnover? Any room for advancement? How long have emplyees stayed on that unit on average? Can I talk to a nurse that works the same shift I’ll be working?
How are the Drs to work with?
How approachable are managers?
What's the ratio nurse to patient??? Are nursing assistants available??? Is break time covered during the shift???
1. What type of tuition reimbursement/continuing education offered
2.what type and how long is the orientation,
3. What is the nurse to patient ratio
4. How is success measured in performance evaluations?
5. What is the management style?
I currently work in quality focusing on Maternal Child Care. Possible things to ask could be, Are they "Baby Friendly" or follow "Baby Friendly" recommendations?" Nurse to patient ratios. What work is being done around Maternal Morbidity in particular hemorrhage and severe range hypertension. What quality initiatives do they participate in?
A safe Maternal Child Department should be focusing on these initiatives as well as Early elective Deliveries and lowering the primary cesarean section rate, increasing exclusive breast milk feeding.
What is the most important aspect of the job description?
Do they offer educational opportunities?
Nurse patient
Nurse patient ratios?
Educational opportunities?
How long have the current staff been there?
How is the scheduling done?
Ask them to explain their nursing philosophy and the institution’s Mission Statement. I could never work for a center that did not have the same philosophy and patient goals as I did.
