I went to PICU right after school in 1991 at a large children's hospital. I am now in management. Since you are a new grad I would ask you why you chose nursing to be a profession. It would be helpful if you had something creative to say. Everyone says I want to help kids. If there is something that happened in your life or some nurse you admired as a child that influenced you to become a nurse say so.
I would ask you what your long term and short term goals are. Short term being within the next year and long term being within 3-5 years.
I would ask you how you have handled a difficult situation. Elaborate and give details
I would ask you what accomplishment in your life are you most proud of. Answer and tell why.
I would ask you what are your strong attributes and what you feel are your weak attributes. I would be looking for things like willing to learn, sense of humor, etc. Always elaborate and explain your answers.
Your goal is to sell yourself. Tell the manager why you will be an awesome nurse and an attribute to the unit. At the end the manager needs to believe that you have a lot of potential and will be a good addition to the unit.
Interviews are a give and take thing though. Make sure you have questions to ask the manager. Make a list and bring it with you if you want. You will not be viewed as stupid just prepared. Questions like how long is orientation? Will I have one preceptor or several? What types of patients are cared for in the PICU-surgical, trauma, etc. Will I receive specialized training beyond my preceptor (any class room time) Or what does orientation entail?
Best of luck to you. I hope I have been helpful. I worked PICU for many years and I enjoyed all of it!!!
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