What Questions To Ask Once You’re On The Unit?
You have secured a travel-nursing assignment… check. You have a place to stay… check. You have received the first-day instructions… check. You have gone through that long, boring “hospital” orientation, where they try to convince you that their hospital is the best…check. Now, it is time for the “unit” orientation. What questions should you ask? Here is a list of questions that I always ask my preceptor upfront, during orientation:
- Where to clock in and out: Make sure this is the first thing you find out! Find out the earliest/latest times to clock in/out.
2. Location of the break room and bathroom: You need to know where to store and eat your food. The bathroom is a must…well if you have time to visit it, that is, lol.
3. What are the unit policies & procedures: Find out where the policies and procedures are located on the hospital’s intranet, and get familiar with them. All hospitals are not the same; they tend to have different guidelines and protocols.
4. What are the unit codes: Write down the codes to the supply closet, break room, medication room, etc.
5. What are the essential phone numbers/emails: The best phone numbers and emails you should have are the manager’s, staffing office and/or the unit itself. Also, find out the HELP desk number, just in case, or should I say, WHEN you need to call I.T.
6. Which medication dispensing system is used: Find out if the unit uses Omnicell, Pyxis, etc. While you are in the medication room, go ahead and try to log-in to the system, as well.
7. Is there a unit Facebook Group: Join the unit FB Group as a means of communicating and connecting with your colleagues for shift trading requests and posts.
All in all, starting a new travel-nursing assignment comes with its unique set of preparations and challenges. However, by making sure to ask the right questions during your unit orientation, you can minimize the uncertainty and streamline your workflow to create a successful experience. Familiarize yourself with the basic unit operations, such as clocking in/out, attaining essential contact info, locating essential facilities, like the break room/bathroom, and understanding unit-specific policies and procedures.
These inquiries will not only demonstrate your professionalism, but also ensure that you’re well prepared and equipped for providing the best care possible to your patients, in your new environment. Stay proactive, and remember that being well prepared and well equipped will help you thrive in your travel-nursing career!
Did this help? Do you have any suggestions?
