Interview next Monday!! What are my chances?

[rn865]

Hi everyone! This is my first thread. I joined allnurses because I was feeling a little lost and reading the discussions has been helping a lot.

Next Monday, I will have an interview for a GN Residency Program for Med-Surg. However, when the recruiter called me, I explained to her my situation, which is: I graduated in 2006 in a different country. I was not able to work as an RN in 2007 for personal reasons, I moved to the US in 2008 and had to process my immigration and work authorization and this year I finally was able to get my license. She knew about this, yet she still scheduled me for an interview.

After reading here that a nurse is only considered a "new grad" within 12 months of completion of the degree, I feel a little inadequate as I had graduated already 3 years ago and had no nursing experience other than clinicals. Do you think she would've scheduled me for an interview if she didn't think I was still qualified? I can't sleep thinking about this. Please help put my mind to ease or give me the sad truth.

Additional info:

BSN, GPA 3.25, cum laude, BLS certified (in the US), RN license in CA and TX, residing in Houston, the hospital is also in Houston. Thank you very much in advance! And good luck to your nursing careers too!

[Guest321574]

I would *guess* that since its specifically for a new grad residency (they tend to be competitive), that if you were invited to interview you have a good chance.

[rn865]

Thanks lovenandj!

Any tips on how I can best present myself in the interview, given that I'm not experienced?

[PeaceLove88]

First of all, CONGRATS on scoring an interview! I know its a tough market out there. I think that you have a good chance as any other "new grad" because I dont think the hospital would have scheduled an interview with you if they didn't find something they liked about you. So stop worrying about your chances and just focus on how you are going to prepare for your interview.

I suggest you check out these links on interviewing advice and sample questions that I found on this forum and really helped me out:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/jobs/preparing.html

http://nursejobs.com/nursing-interview-questions.aspx

Good luck!! =)

[rn865]

Thank you so much for the links Peacelove! I'll be sure to check them out.:D:D

[PeaceLove88]

No problem!! I also wanted to post a thread I found on this forum that had about 30 interview questions but I cant seem to find it. You can try searching "Interview questions" within this forum and alot of similar postings will come up. Make use of this!! Being prepared for an interview will definitely show when the time comes!

[Blackheartednurse]

I recently have had a phone interview and soon I'm scheduled for another one..ok here is a list of questions I was asked

1.Why did you choose our hospital? (standard questions,I have been on couple interviews (in person as well phone ones and I must tell you this question always been asked,the managers want you to show an genuine interest in the hospital you are interviewing for,the answer "because I cant find job nowhere else wont fly!!)

2.Tell about the time when you were praised by a you boss at you previous place of an employment?

3. Tell me about a time you helped your coworker or classmate from nursing school?

4.What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

5.Tell my why do you think you will an asset to our company?

6. Tell me about a time you have made a mistake at the clinicals and how did you handle it?

7. Tell about a time you had a diffult patient and how did you handle them?

[rn865]

Thanks blackheart! I've been writing down interview questions to practice on and I will definitely include these!

[Acosmo27]

Hi! Good luck! I think your interview is tomorrow correct? It may be to late but I just recently had a pretty intense interview (and got the job!) and I too have a few tips..

I made a resume packet *including cover page, resume, letters of rec, and also decided to include an unofficial transcript, my sigma theta tau cert, and yes... a picture of me at the end! (corny but hey, they wouldnt forget who I was that way!)

Also, research research RESEARCH the facility.. know who you are interviewing for! It does not hurt to praise them for any high achievements, and let them know you want to be apart of it! Show excitement and enthusiasm and smile!

GOOD LUCK! Go nail it!