Making a great shadow impression

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I am looking for a little advice here. I had an interview recently and later this week I will have the opportunity to shadow on the unit for a few hours so I can get an idea of what the job entails. While I think I had a good interview, I don't think I hit it out of the park. I think where things didn't go so great was when they asked me what I have done on my own, classes, certifications, etc..to enahance myself professionally, I really haven't done anything. I have spent the past two years dealing with a divorce and a resulting bankruptcy due to actions and deceptions by my ex-husband, Add to that a sick child and my mother being in a near fatal car accident and long rehab and I simply did not have the time or energy to try to take on any extra career building opportunities. But now, I feel like I am back. My personal life is all squared away and I am ready to focus more on my career now.

How can I make a great impression on the people on the unit? I don't want to seem too desperate.

I currently have an "okay" job but it is in an area I do not want to be working in forever. I have 15 years of nursing experience and have been frustrated by this whole job search process. This is the first interview I have landed after nearly a year of applying to various positions. I have 15 years of nursing experience and I think that may be working against me. It seems like hospitals are mostly looking for someone with 2-3 years of experience so they have a nurse who is not longer wet behind the ears but still low on years of experience so they can be offered less money. I will say that I have been picky about where I am applying and what units I am interested in. After all, I do have a decent job...just no real opportunities for growth and advancement there.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

What's wrong with looking desperate? You come across as not really caring, they might pass you by!

Short of hanging on to their pant legs:lol2:, let them know what a wonderful floor they have and how awesome it would be to work there. Show they you really, really want to work there.

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Specializes in I'm 48, and continuing nursing education.

Sounds as though you've had a rough road! Welcome to the club! I'm almost 49 and after raising 3 kids as a single parent with no child support, then took care of my boyfriend for 4 years with terminal cancer, then immediately after he passed away my Mom became very ill and was totally dependant on me for over 2 years! Well, that's how I ended up interested in the medical field. I have been to countless Dr. and hospitals with my b/f and Mom, that I picked up on the environment and figured out that I might as well get paid to be there instead of a "visitor":idea: Funny how life works huh?? Anyhow, as far as your anxiety about how your interview went, don't minimize your talents, goals, and desire to become the best at what you do! When you start second guessing yourself, you loose focus on your confidence. Give yourself a pat on the back for your strength and for every hurdle you have faced and conquered! You'll be just fine, give yourself a break, you deserve it!:nmbrn:

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Specializes in ICU.

Be yourself. I recently had a 4 hour 'shadow'. I was friendly, open, asked questions, pitched in and helped when I could, and I was genuinely enthusiastic about being there.

FAIL.

Despite being well qualified for the position, they passed me up and reposted the ad for the position.

Go figure! :mad:

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Be yourself.

If you try to fit into what you think they want, you are lying to yourself and may not be happy there. I don't think you did as poorly as the interview as you think you did, because they did offer you the shadow.

I'm not saying that's what you're doing, I think that you are asking because you want to make a good impression :).

I do a lot of precepting, orienting, etc.... I find that for me, I like when people have their own personality, when they smile and say hi to me when introduced as the person who is with me today. That little bit of confidence makes me stand a little straighter myself and I feel like, okay, this person is for real, no slouching with them today.

I know you are going to do fine!

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU.
Be yourself

^^ Yeah, that.

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Echoing comments above, sign seen in a north Texas restaurant some few years ago:

Be what you is.

'Cause if you don't,

They're sure gonna find out what you ain't.

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