[FrootLoop]

I apologize if this should be in the career advice forum, but I wanted PICU specific input.

I have an interview the first week of October for the PICU at our hospital. I've already had a chance to visit with the nurse manager and a few of the nurses who work in the PICU to get a tour, ask some questions, etc. Our institution does behavioral interviews, and I'm comfortable with that aspect since I've done the same for other jobs I"ve held within this hospital, but there are also usually a few critical thinking/prioritizing questions pertinent to the specific unit.

Anyone have any advice for what questions I may want to prepare for specifically for the PICU?

How about what kind of questions I should ask them about the unit that I might not otherwise think of? I've already covered the basics about training, types of patients, nurse to patient ratio, scheduling- I'm wondering what else I might want to know before getting into it?

Thanks!

[janfrn]

Hold that thought. After work I'll get back to you...

[janfrn]

Sorry about the wait. When I got home from work I had a million things waiting for my attention, like always. My husband views tasks that don't require him to wear camouflage as not required at all...

The kinds of questions you might be asked about critical thinking and prioritizing might be easy, or they could be pretty hard. During my last PICU interview (in 2001) I was given scenarios and asked questions based on them. One was, "You're admitting a patient from the ER who has been in an ATV mishap. The patient is 15 years old, weighs 70 kg and has a severe head injury. How would you set up your bed space? What equipment would you want? What drugs will you have on hand? What IV fluid will you have on hand? Okay, your patient arrives and is stable for the moment. The neurosurgery fellow is here and wants to put in an ICP monitoring device. What items will you need? How will you set up? Okay, the kid's ICP is 17 and his MAP is 57. What is his CPP? Is it a good CPP? What can you do about it? Can you explain the Monroe-Kellie Doctrine? It's been over an hour since you gave mannitol and now you notice that his urine output is >300 mls an hour. What does it mean? What will you do? Now the patient's ICP is 35, his HR is 55, his BP is 162/48 and his CPP is 50. What is happening? What is this phenomenon called? What will you do?" Now, let's not forget that I was already an experienced PICU nurse so this kind of questioning probably won't be what you experience. You'll probably have questions about normal vital signs, airway management, assesing LOC, central lines, basic stuff. If they ask you about prioritization, keep your ABCs in mind. They might ask about interpersonal relations, so have a game plan in mind for how you'd deal with difficult people or difficult situations. They'll tailor your interview to your education and experience. It won't be easy, but hopefully it won't be horrible either. Good luck!!

[FrootLoop]

Very helpful, thanks much.

[janfrn]

My pleasure! My instinct is telling me that you'll do fine... because you actively sought information. Go get 'em and blow them away! (I forgot to mention that it will probably be a panel interview, with the nurse manager and the nurse educator, and perhaps one other person in the room too, all asking questions and taking notes. Don't let them see you sweat!!)

[Buttercup_fields]

Thanks that was wonderful information . I am in my second semester of nursing school. I am very interested in going into PICU. I know that since I will not have my BSN that some Hospitals will not even look at my application. I plan on going back and getting my BSN and my Masters. Should I let the hospital Know of what plans I have for the future or would that make any difference.

[janfrn]

It might. Some facilities place a great deal of stock in education and continuing education. (Mine doesn't, at least not to the extent of financial assistance, scheduling or acknowledgment.) They may look more favorably at your application if they know your intentions. I've seen job postings that say, "BScN preferred but may consider BScN in progress" and similar for positions requiring an MScN. Sometimes it'll say, "with completion within 18 months" or some such. How willing are you to relocate? That might be worth thinking about too.

[irisRN]

Jan is awesome. She gave me advice for my interview (WOW, its been that long since i was last here! LOL)...anyhoo, i got hired

[janfrn]

You're making me ...