Please Help - I've got a band 6 nursing interview and need advice!

[Hazelyne7]

Hi,

I have been short listed for a band 6 nursing post in a dialysis unit. They want me to give a 15 minute presentation on “How would you personally manage your case load with the current situation i.e staff shortage , and management is aware of the problem.”

I've got a few ideas but the panic is stopping my brain from working! Any help or advice gratefully received.

That's a tough question!! You might include thinking about which patients are a higher clinical priority, i.e. Are more at risk of deteriorating, delegating to best use the skills of your team, being honest with patients about potential delays and keeping them informed, making sure staff take breaks and organising the work to ensue it happens ( our trust has posters up about this) informing the matron about staffing issues as they arise. Sorry that's not a great answer, in nursing a hangover!! I'm sure someone else will have better ideas. Good luck!

Tell them what you are going to tell them

Tell them

Tell them what you told them

Manage your panic. Stress stops your brain from working. You cannot solve such an enormous problem. Areas around smart working, working to the best efficiency, health outcomes? Current research? Do you have anything in those areas? Also I would look at supporting staff under pressure. Looking at sickness ( is it stress related) Staff involvement in practice change ideas. Supporting families where appropriate, empowering family involvement. What ideas have you so far?

Prioritise patients, can stable patients be looked after by b5, ensure unit set up and ready to use, look at rota, allocate set time for management duties, good communication with b7, are there things that could be improved on like stores, getting notes, transport, patient meals. They are asking about your personal workload and possible time management.

Thank you all for your help!

I don't think they are asking me to solve the problem, just how i would manage it as the nurse in charge. My ideas so far are to look at: good communication for staff and patients, teamwork, motivation/support, patient safety, prevent burnout, clear clinical leadership, good preparation, positive role model.

It so difficult in dialysis because we can only cover from within because the staff need to be trained to use the machines. The current staff are being stretched to their limits and moral is very low.

Do you have HCA who could help set up the unit with training, organise the meals, drinks, trolleys, transport, ordering equipment with training. Communication book, diary, access to policies, training records, monthly staff meeting, mentorship programme, clerical support, is there a b7 ultimately in charge or a bed manager.