[*Renee*]

Hi everyone,
Well, since I'm nearing my graduation date from Nursing school (May 4), I figured it'd be a good time to get my foot in the door at a hospital and start working as a Patient Care Assistant until I get my RN license and can work as a nurse. So, I have an interview on Monday at a hospital I did a couple semesters of clinicals at and I'm really excited and hopeful. It's actually one of my top picks of hospitals I want to work at.
So, does anyone have any interviewing advice for me? Questions I should ask, Questions I should be prepared for? I already sent my resume and cover letter, should I bring a copy of each or just my resume? I'll be interviewing w/ the Nursing Director on the floor, not the HR person I sent my resume to.

I've heard interviewers like to ask ??'s like: "When was there a time when I made decision that I didnt really agree with?" or "What new programs did I get started or what was a project that I started at my current or past job?" These are toughies for me since I've been a ft student and sahm for the past 4 years. I guess I could use clinical experiences to answer these ??'s, right?

I appreciate any advice you can give....I haven't been on an interview in a while, and never for a future "career" position. TIA!!

[mobileRN]

The question I have been most often asked is 'what are your goals?'

[llg]

Don't forget to show an interest in the job itself ... the patients, their needs, the mission of the hospital, etc. Too many job applicants focus only on the "business" side of things (salary, benfits, schedule, etc.) and forget to show that they actually want to do the type of work that the job requires.

Good luck,
llg

[hbncns35]

Renee,

I recently posted on this thread but I have no idea what happened to it.

Please see my post under Best way to Job Hunt..........I gave some interview suggestions there....Mom is a headhunter....
Google Nursing Interview Questions for alot of advice...............

My fav. question to ask is "If you were to hire me for this position, how well do you think I would fit into the nursing staff here?" this question usually helps you to see how interested they are and to begin actually visualizing you in the position....Good Luck.................Heather

[Marie_LPN]

Don't forget to pee before the interview. Nothing worse than getting ready to be interviewed and realizing your eyes are floating, and you haven't even begun the interview yet.

[s and t]

also, check your interview clothes the day before...nothing worse than finding out you have a broken zipper or are missing a button when you're trying to stay calm, cool, and collected!

[VivaLasViejas]

Originally Posted by Marie_LPN

Don't forget to pee before the interview. Nothing worse than getting ready to be interviewed and realizing your eyes are floating, and you haven't even begun the interview yet.

Now THAT'S a practical tip I'd never heard before Makes sense though.........nerves tend to be on edge, and edgy nerves make for twitchy bladders.

So glad my interviewing days are over.........

[Marie_LPN]

Usually people are so nervous, going through possible questions in their head, making sure they have everything they need, that they forget the basics.

[AshestoBeauty]

Also, have an idea of "what if" scenerios. I was asked what would i do in such and such a situation with a patient that has such and such diagnosis. Also, be able to kick around a few meds and their uses.
Ashes

[AshestoBeauty]

Forgot to add that I was asked how would I handle nurses who weren't as helpful as I would like. How would i feel if a nurse told me to "get it yourself, or do it yourself". I answered that since I was a new nurse, I won't have the experience or answers that seasoned nurse would have. The wrong thing would be to guess. I said I would not take that personality personally, instead, I'd do the best I can and find a nurse who will be willing to help and I will find one who will help. I'm that confident that I will resolve the issue with a nurse who can help me do so. I also said that even though a nurse may not be initially friendly, if s/he is good, I'm going to watch them and learn what I can. Once, a nurse complimented me on how well I handle codes and i told her I learned from the best by watching her even though she didn't know it. I was bull.... her. I meant that. I watched how she quickly assessed and knew exactly what equipment to grab for and how to use it. After that, she warmed up to me, alittle.
Ashes