The Interview
This is a critical time in your first career option as a nurse. You might have been offered a job by one of the departments you did your training in. But be wary and don't jump at the first opportunity even if it's exactly what you always wanted and you love the department and all the nurses in it. Investigate it and give it some thought before you say yes.
There is a shortage of nurses and you want to make sure that you afford yourself the very best educational, as well as professional, opportunity you can have. You don't want to find yourself working in that department on a different shift with all inexperienced nurses and short staffed to boot. Be flattered and enjoy the moment. Then sit down for a serious talk with the department head and ask questions:
What shift would I be working on?
How many nurses work that shift (what is the nurse-to-patient ratio) and who is in charge?
How much experience do the nurses have that I would be working with?
Are there UAPs or PCAs on the unit? How many and who supervises them?
What type of orientation would I have and for how long? Will it be on the shift I'm going to work?
Who will be my preceptor or mentor? How long will I be able to, or be expected to, work with a preceptor?
Are there unit-educators and are they available on all shifts?
Then there are the basic questions you should ask any potential employers such as:
What type of equipment do I need to have?
What style uniform or attire am I required to wear? Any specific shoes?
Are there restrictions on jewelry, hair, makeup, nails, etc.?
What are the rules about working weekends and holidays and who makes up the assignments? How do I request time off?
What types of benefits are available and what do they cost? When do they start?
How much malpractice insurance is provided and do I need my own policy? (This is always a good idea even if they say you don't need it.)
Ask to see a copy of the job description.
Will I have to be on call and what all does that entail?
Will I have to float to other departments and how often might I have to work with floaters on my floor?
How will my performance be evaluated, by whom, and how often?
What is the probation period?
Do they offer tuition reimbursement? Can I request time off to attend continuing education courses?
You will also have a professional interview with the Director of Nursing and most likely the human resources department. Be professional. Dress appropriately. Smile, have a firm handshake, and have good eye contact. Be aware of your body language. Be attentive and honest with your answers. Have your questions written down so that you don't forget anything. Ask the same questions that you did in the more informal interview so that you are aware of any differences in the information, especially regarding policies about weekends, holidays, and floating.
Before you make any decision, make sure you have an understanding of what is expected of you and the rules of the facility. The only dumb question is the one you don't ask. Be professional.
Remember that a job interview is a two-way conversation. You need to interview them as a potential employer as much as the employer needs to interview you as a potential employee to maximize the compatibility factors. Your questions will be as helpful to them as they are to you. The questions should be intelligent and well thought out.
