Hospital interview tomorrow, what ?'s to ask?

MIA-RN1, RN · Sep 20, 2006

I have my hospital interview tomorrow. I know that most interviewers like questions to be asked about the facility and floor. Do you have any questions that might be good and could help me be a better candadite? Thanks

what is the census on the floor for which you are interviewing.

What is the nurse/patient ratio.

ACNPCOLO · Sep 20, 2006

All Nurse to Aid, do you sup. LPN's, accuity, PTO, Scheduling, etc

acgemt · Sep 20, 2006

Ask the things that are important to you...the nurse to patient ratio is always an important question because you get to see exactly what you are going to be dealing with. Ask at the end of the interview if you can do a share day for a couple hours to shadow a nurse there. That gives you the opportunity to see exactly what it is like.

I will say this. I am not sure if you have had any interviews yet, or what questions you have been asked but I will give you the question I was asked at one of my interviews - and babbled/flubbed my way through...needless to say I didn't get that job. Here it is...keep in mind this is the first question.

"Okay, I have interviews a lot of applicants. Why are you more qualified for the job than anyone else...wow me! Go."

MQ Edna · Sep 20, 2006

Here's a question that nurse managers love and that will make you shine!

"What qualities are you looking for in nurses on your unit?"

I once had a NM (during an interview) respond to this question by saying "I have never had a candidate ask me that before". She was smiling from ear to ear and was tickled to contemplate and answer this question.

MQ Edna · Sep 20, 2006

acgemt wrote:

Here it is...keep in mind this is the first question.
"Okay, I have interviews a lot of applicants. Why are you more qualified for the job than anyone else...wow me! Go."

LOL! I was also once asked this question when interviewing as a new grad for a position in which 12 other candidates where being considered . . .what could I possibly say?? I also flubbed through some thoughts and used about every buzz word I could think of . . .being a "life-long learner" (as a middle aged new grad), seasoned in life experiences, motivated by more than just money (because I'm merely a second income to my hubbie) . . I didn't get the job either!!

This post also reminded me of another question you might face . . that I also faced on another interview experience . . .it's the flip side of the question I suggested . . .the manager asks you . .

What is the one quality you would say is most important in a nurse?

anne74 · Sep 20, 2006

I would ask the manager to describe the culture of the unit. Is there a lot of teamwork? What is the relationship between the nurses and doctors? How much autonomy do the nurses have? What would the average nurse say is their favorite thing about working on their unit, and what is their least favorite part of the job? How does the hospital support the career advancement and education of nurses?

Good luck!

Also - make sure you know the 5 rights of passing meds, and that pain is the 6th vital sign, and all that junk. I've been asked that a lot. Also, they always ask for examples of some great thing you did - and they ask about mistakes you've made and how you handled them. That's always a touchy area!

MIA-RN1, RN · Sep 20, 2006

I had the question about what one quality is most important, and did I have it. lol Also she asked "What does nursing mean to you" "Why do you want to be a nurse"

Also they might ask you how would you deal with a difficult coworker, or an aide that did not do as requested. They want to see how you handle other people's negativity and how flexible you are.

texas_lvn · Sep 20, 2006

Wow. These are some good replies. I know one time my husband was asked "If there was a purple and pink polka dotted elephant in the room, what would you do?" Apperently, the theory behind that is to catch the applicant off their feet and see how they would respond.

I have also heard of at a lunch/dinner interview if you put salt/pepper on the food before you taste it, you would not have gotten the job r/t you judging before trying!

ironica01 · Sep 20, 2006

i was asked ; " where will you be in 5 years?" what is your long term plan? What qualities do you have to be part of our team?

I answered, " Im planning to continue my studies, maybe take bridge program of BSN-MSN, and find any managerial position that fits my education, im a fast learner, hard-worker, and willing to learn new things,... I got the job!

texas_lvn · Sep 20, 2006

the interview was great. No real bad questions. I hadthe nm interview and she went ahead and took me for the peer interview. Things looked good on my end. As I was leaving, nm stated "you get a gold star for your appereance. We had one girl walk in in shorts!" Thank you all for your replys. I was able to ask several of your questions, and I think it helped me to look like a better candadite. Thanks again!

RGN1 · Sep 20, 2006

I usually ask a question like "What do you think a nurse on your unit/in your hospital might say about what it's like to work here?"