New Grad-Interview. What should I ask/look for?

Specialties Correctional

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:coollook: I finally have an interview for a nursing position at a correctional facility. I am happy to have an interview anywhere. I am a new grad so I am brand new, although I am a little older. What should I look for when I go for an interview? I am scared being a new grad but I have done other jobs in the past that I had to learn quickly so I will just have to adjust. Any questions that I should ask? Has anyone else started in corrections as a new grad? Has anyone left corrections after working for awhile and worked in a hospital or became an NP? I really need this job and don't want to screw this up.:nurse:
:banghead: While I enjoyed my interviews, I found that the HR department and the actual people who interview are not on the same page about what is needed for the job. I basically got a pat on the back, "sorry that you are a new grad and we need some one with more experience", "come back after you have at least a year's experience in a hospital", "get a job in a nursing home - it won't help you get a job here or in a hospital but it is work" crud. The first interview was much more encouraging but it was obvious they wanted someone with more "hands on, hospital experience". I may be going back to my previous profession because I can't wait for some one to see past my "new grad" status. I have bills to pay and don't have the heart to get my hopes up and my teeth kicked in again.:cry:

why would they even call for an interview if they already made their minds in not hiring new grads? i cant stand that...

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I had a interview at Corcoran state prison. I felt like it went well, I interviewed with two women who were unit directors I think. They asked questions pertaining to patient assessment and interventions, which were not too difficult if you can keep your nerves on check and remain clear headed. These were questions anyone should know if they went to school and passed the NCLEX. It was last week and I have not heard anything yet, so I am checking my mail with anticipation everyday. I applied to the vacancy on the state website about two months ago, I received a letter asking me if I was interested about a month ago, and then received a interview request letter about two weeks ago. Hopefully I get good new soon. I have another interview next week as well.

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have you guys found jobs yet? just curious to know as i am still on the hunt looking for a job.. im a new grad as well.

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I had a interview at Corcoran state prison. I felt like it went well, I interviewed with two women who were unit directors I think. They asked questions pertaining to patient assessment and interventions, which were not too difficult if you can keep your nerves on check and remain clear headed. These were questions anyone should know if they went to school and passed the NCLEX. It was last week and I have not heard anything yet, so I am checking my mail with anticipation everyday. I applied to the vacancy on the state website about two months ago, I received a letter asking me if I was interested about a month ago, and then received a interview request letter about two weeks ago. Hopefully I get good new soon. I have another interview next week as well.

I have an interview tomorrow and I am trying to keep my nerves in check! :coollook: Did you get the position and if so how long after the interview did they send your letter?:nurse:

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Orthopediacs.

I was a new grad and started off in a prison. I have now worked 9 months going on 10 there. It does sharpen your assessment skills. I found out about a week later after the background check. It can be challenging but not a bad job. If you get it you can ask me, about it. Sorry did not see this yesterday.

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Biblepoet,

I have a question regarding the background check. Did they require that you have your fingerprints taken? I had an interview last Wednesday and filled out the papers for a background check, but they did not take fingerprints. I was rather surprised.

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the fingerprints are done on your first day of work, if you are hired.

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Thanks!

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Orthopediacs.
Biblepoet,

I have a question regarding the background check. Did they require that you have your fingerprints taken? I had an interview last Wednesday and filled out the papers for a background check, but they did not take fingerprints. I was rather surprised.

They just look at DL and what was on it by the state I live. They also did a drug screen on me the day of the interview. Knew my record was clean and since I just had recently got my license. No fingerprints were taken on me either.

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If you are a new grad, in my honest opinion, you should "pay your dues" by working in an acute setting as in a Medical/Surgical unit, Emergency Room department, or even in an urgent care facility FIRST. Then after a solid year, you have experience and skills to bring to the Correctional Facility. It depends on your previous background, were you an LVN, or worked in the military as a Hospital Corpsman or a Medic? What can you do for the Correctional Facility? If you interview well and convince them that you are a quick study, then more power to you.

"Pay your dues"?! Nobody should have to pay their dues, this is nursing!! If a person can do the job it shouldn't matter what they've had to go through to get there. Obviously he/she is worthy of the position if the facility is willing to hire em. This attitude is the reason that so many new grads leave positions prematurely; experienced nurses should be setting good, positive examples to new grads not an attitude of "pay your dues"!

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