Interview for ED Tech position

aneres1390 · Apr 5, 2013

I don’t work in Alaska, but I finished my senior practicum and also work as an Aide in the ED. Techs do a lot of splints, start IV’s, do EKG and show them ASAP to a provider, stock items in patients rooms, assist patients to the commode/bathroom, and on some occasions sit with psych patients who need a 1:1 Observation if they are a harm to themselves or others. Techs also respond to codes in our hospitals and might help with CPR etc and also take labor and delivery patients to the delivery room. I believe the RN’s/MD’s/PA’s/NP’s are the ones who read EKG’s but this might vary from our hospital to yours. Also you are right! They also help draw blood.

The Nurses I worked with really appreciate Techs who see orders for starting IV’s, drawing blood, collecting urine and getting other tasks done without even asking them to do it. They also appreciate those who don’t “whine” or make excuses when they are told to do something. You can say that you are a great team player, flexible (people call out a lot!), and love to take initiative (i.e. getting things done even before being told to do so.), you are able to remain calm during stressful and crises situations (e.g. during a code). It’s really great you want to be an ED nurse! This experience will def. help you get there, just have it in mind that a lot of hospitals won’t hire new graduate nurses into the ED unless you get into an ED nurse residency.

Are you already a nursing student? I ask this because I’m not sure if it’s a great idea to talk a lot about wanting to become an ED RN. If they already know you are a nursing student from your resume and still called you for an interview, then go ahead and talk about your future goal if asked. However, if they are not aware you are a nursing student, they might feel you won’t have enough time to dedicate to your job (unless you are per diem). I applied to a Per Diem Unit Secretary Job in the ICU and I was told they won’t hire me because they know I’m busy as a student and won’t dedicate most of my time to their unit. Be sure to read a lot about the hospital online and also the ED and prepared to talk about how the mission and vision of the hospital matches your values and personal goals for growth!

AlaskaHopeful · Apr 5, 2013

Thank you for the quick reply!

I am in a pre-nursing certificate program. My school only accepts 16 students a year, it is really competitive. Like most I presume. The certificate is to prepare potential nursing students to apply for the degree, by getting pre-reqs out of the way so we have more time for the nursing courses. They also have a point system in place, by doing certain classes we can gain a point in the process and accumulate up to 6 points, or you can just apply for the degree. But, it is highly recommended to do the certificate portion before just applying. From what I have heard, the waiting list could be as much as 2 years for this school, and I honestly cant just up and leave the middle of Alaska, due to kids and mortgage.

I knew I wanted to be in health care from the 7th grade, (after doing the Heimlich maneuver on my little sister on Thanksgiving). Wow, that seems like ages ago, as I am now 31. Life took me in a different direction and career, but I have always known that I would eventually find my way back to what I wanted to do from so long ago, when I had the opportunity.

I am lucky that the hospital I have an interview with, is a learning hospital. So, being that I am a new grad as a CNA with no health care experience, I feel entirely blessed to even have the chance to sit for an interview. The hospital web site said that this position is open to new grad CNA's, EMT-B or people with military experience. It also said, that a CNA cert was highly preferred.

Alaska has one of the highest standards for curriculum hours to be certified as a CNA. (More clinical, and lecture hours than most states) Yet, I feel totally unprepared, due to IV's, EKG's, drawing blood, splints, and things they didn't really teach in class. Do hospitals usually train people and certify them for such things? I have been told to my face that I soak things up like a sponge.

I cant sit still at work, I always have to be doing something. Sometimes in my old career as a journeyman carpenter, there was down time. Even though I was making $30 plus an hour, when we had down time I just wanted to leave and do productive things in life outside of work. Although, I sucked it up, and was bored, I stuck around until my shift was over cause I always found something to do.

My boss came in one day and saw me sweeping, he said " you know you have an apprentice to do that stuff for you," I replied, "yeah, I know, he is sweeping out the other space, and with both of us doing it we will get it done faster." He chuckled and said, "well if you want to meet up with the other (journeyman) carpenters, they are having coffee in the break room, your apprentice can finish the sweeping, that's what he gets paid for." I was thinking to myself, isn't an apprentice supposed to be learning, not just being a mule to my every whim." The day went on. I wont ask my apprentice to do something that I wouldn't do myself. I lead by example.

Overall, I don't think people take me seriously, my resume lists only carpentry work for the past 10 years, with hourly rates between 20 and 35 an hour. Aside, from having my CNA, BLS, and First Aid certs. I have applied to about 11 or 12 jobs as a CNA, and this is the first time I haven't been overlooked from the get go.

Thank you for you input and pointers. It is very much appreciated. :)