Is it appropriate to ask this in an interview?

For all of the Nurse Managers out there (or those who have experience hiring/interviewing)...
How would you react or perceive a question from a new grad regarding staffing ratios for the particular position they are applying for?

To put this in context, I'd like for you to assume that this is an applicant that is qualified, articulate, and asks additional intelligent, informed questions regarding the position, facility and company. None of these questions include stupid ones (IE: when can I take a vacation, what will my pay be, etc...)

With the major issues I see affecting nurse's satisfaction, ability to perform their daily job to their best ability and the priority of patient safety being jeopardized as a result...I feel this a fair question. Of course...I still wouldn't want to come off as a jerk (edited by mod)...lol

Thoughts? Last edit by Esme12 on Oct 12, '14 : Reason: TOS
I'm not a manager.... but I have asked this in interviews. I don't understand how this is a bad question to ask.

In my opinion you absolutely have the right to ask about staffing ratios. You also have the right to ask about the culture of the unit, attitudes about teamwork, average turnover, etc. (basically anything you feel is important to a positive working environment). I also noticed that you mentioned that asking about things such as vacation, salary, and such were in your words "stupid questions". Although these would not be the first questions I would ask, they are important things that should be discussed during an interview. They can be asked in a way as not to come off that that is your primary focus if that is what concerns you. It's better to find out both parties expectations up front rather than discovering a problem or deal breaker down the line in the hiring process. Just my opinion.

Quote from Cricket183In my opinion you absolutely have the right to ask about staffing ratios. You also have the right to ask about the culture of the unit, attitudes about teamwork, average turnover, etc. (basically anything you feel is important to a positive working environment). I also noticed that you mentioned that asking about things such as vacation, salary, and such were in your words "stupid questions". Although these would not be the first questions I would ask, they are important things that should be discussed during an interview. They can be asked in a way as not to come off that that is your primary focus if that is what concerns you. It's better to find out both parties expectations up front rather than discovering a problem or deal breaker down the line in the hiring process. Just my opinion.

Keep in mind that during an interview you're interviewing the facility just as much as they're interviewing you. Questions about the workplace are expected. How will you know if you want to work somewhere if you don't ask the things that are on your mind. It's not as if you're desperate and no matter what, you'll take the job if offered...

Of course this is an appropriate question to ask in an interview. It's a fair question, and when else would she ask about it? I would figure someone who wonders about staffing ratios cares about patient safety, no? Wouldn't that be something you want in a candidate? Are you confident that the ratios are appropriate? I would also figure that if they are, you would be glad to share the answer.

That is one THE number one question you should ask. And if their ratios are fair, they'll probably mention it before you even have to ask.

I always ask about ratios not only for myself, but I want to know the ratios for the CNAs as well.

If you feel that by asking the questions regarding staff ratio, turnover, ancillary staff, whatever can help you get a sense of the overall culture of the unit the answers you get are defensive in nature--it speaks volumes. I also would pay attention in the tour of the unit--if nurses are running around ragged, there's a lot of tension--again, speaks volumes but I would follow up with "is this a typical shift set-up" or some other thoughts as to if it is just an unusually busy day--or it is a typical day with too few nurses doing too much for too many.Good luck!

As a past manager....I think it is a reasonable question as well as turnover rates...What is the average seniority on the floor? I might ask what is the nurse patient ratio and the use of unlicensed care givers to get a better picture of the floor.

As this will be my first step into the healthcare profession, all of this helps tremendously. I appreciate all of your help and guidance!

I've asked this in interviews. And when told 10:1 I politely declined the offer!

So sorry--for some reason last night I took it as you were conducting the interview and the applicant asked this question. Oops!! But yes, I still say that it's a good question for YOU to ask. It shows that you care about pt safety, and the facility should be glad to share the answer with you. "Those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing."