[dgilbert]

Hi!

I am a new RN and have an interview with a telemetry unit on Friday. I loved the cardiac unit when I was in school, so I am very excited about this interview.

My question is about the focus of the interview. Do you think they will be asking specific cardiac questions? Should I brush up on my EKG readings before I go?

This is my first nursing interview and it has been years since I interviewed at all so I am pretty nervous. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[batmik]

As a new RN I wouldn't think most units would expect you to have a strong knowledge in EKG interpretations. Where I work the new grads take an EKG class given by the hospital in the first couple months and are then required to take ACLS within the first 6 months. I don't know how much is taught in nursing school about normal sinus rhythm and dysrhythmmias these days.

Practice, practice practice is what it takes to learn rhythms. I would emphasize that you are motivated to learn because you find cardiac nursing
so exciting. Ask if you will be able to spend some time with the units monitor tech so you can learn the hardware associated with the monitoring system as well as going over strips on live patients.

I think the most frustrated thing in learning rhythms is that most patients rhythms aren't textbook perfect they have artifact and also FLB(funny little beats)

I started on tele over 15 years ago as a new grad, am still there and love it.

Good Luck.

[jackieliz]

I just accepted a job on a surgical tele floor after 1 1/2 yrs experience on a general surgical unit (which I do reccommend by the way). My interview focused on my goals and my ability to work with others under pressure. Did not even touch on my knowledge of the heart-no quizzing or anything. Why? Because I have no prior experience on a cardiac unit, it is not expected that I know the rhythms (except fatal). EKG's, cardiac drips etc...will be learned as you go and during orientation. I also have to take a critical care and basic arrhythmia class with ACLS optional, you will probably have something similar. Just be confident and open--you'll do fine.

[nurseJackie]

I wish you luck. I have been working on tele floor for 4 years now and I love it. I think showing your enthusiasm will be your biggest asset in the job interview. Listen carefully, make eye contact and be sincere. Don't worry about quizzes. You'll be great!!!!!!!

[dgilbert]

Originally Posted by nurseJackie

I wish you luck. I have been working on tele floor for 4 years now and I love it. I think showing your enthusiasm will be your biggest asset in the job interview. Listen carefully, make eye contact and be sincere. Don't worry about quizzes. You'll be great!!!!!!!

Thanks to all for your replies. My interview is tomorrow and I can't wait. I went on an interview at another hospital today and it went well--I am hoping it goes as well tomorrow.

Wish me luck! Diana