Neuro ICU RN interview

jcabrera7195 · Jul 5, 2011

Sherlande, I'm glad to know you've come to the right place (well, maybe) to get advice on a job interview. First of all, as stated by you, you love neuro. That's a start. Second, of course expect not to know everything at a glance; however, be willing to learn and adapt as soon as possible.

During your interview, be yourself. You're a professional looking forward to work on your passion and career. Smile, dress professionally, look at the eyes of the recruiter and be quick and conscious on your answers. Nevertheless, know your benefits and what they have to offer you. This is business, remember that. You're applying for a nursing job, not running for office. Best of the best to you and let me know, I'd be glad to hear, how it all went down. :coollook:

WolfpackRed · Jul 5, 2011

good luck.

if you want to check out http://www.icufaqs.org

great resource to those entering icu

doubt you will be asked to do a med test as it typically occurs orientation.

stephenfnielsen · Jul 5, 2011

I would worry less about clinical questions. I'm not saying that they won't ask them, but the fact is that is that it is just too vast. They know that you've never worked in a neuro ICU and you still got the interview, they like you for some reason! What is the hardest thing you had to do at your last job? What are you doing to make yourself better each day. What are things that you do to increase patient and family satisfaction? How do you show leadership? How are you going to improve the unit? Think about things that you do well at your current job and in life and be able to sell yourself.

Remember, they want you to work for them. But I would have a couple things in your back pocket like, early signs and symptoms of CVA and what are priority nursing interventions. Just the basics that you might find in an NCLEX test prep book.

Take this with a grain of salt, I'm not an HR specialist, but it's been my general experience that managers want to hire good people, team players that are willing to help their team out to make the day go smoothly, they aren't not necessarily looking for someone who does well on multiple choice tests. Your knowledge will come with time, your personality is what it is.

sherlande · Jul 12, 2011

Thank you everyone for answering my message.

I followed all your advice. I came out the interview feeling confident and proud of myself. I interviewed with 3 nurse managers. Now I am waiting patiently on that phone call. They said in 2 weeks. I don't know if I can send a thank you card despite I don’t remember one of the nurse manager names.

Thank you again

sherlande · Jul 12, 2011

good luck.
if you want to check out www.icufaqs.org
great resource to those entering icu
doubt you will be asked to do a med test as it typically occurs orientation.

Thank you everyone for answering my message.

I followed all your advice. I came out the interview feeling confident and proud of myself. I interviewed with 3 nurse managers. Now I am waiting patiently on that phone call. They said in 2 weeks. I don't know if I can send a thank you card despite I don't remember one of the nurse manager names.

Thank you again

sherlande · Jul 12, 2011

I would worry less about clinical questions. I'm not saying that they won't ask them, but the fact is that is that it is just too vast. They know that you've never worked in a neuro ICU and you still got the interview, they like you for some reason! What is the hardest thing you had to do at your last job? What are you doing to make yourself better each day. What are things that you do to increase patient and family satisfaction? How do you show leadership? How are you going to improve the unit? Think about things that you do well at your current job and in life and be able to sell yourself.
Remember, they want you to work for them. But I would have a couple things in your back pocket like, early signs and symptoms of CVA and what are priority nursing interventions. Just the basics that you might find in an NCLEX test prep book.
Take this with a grain of salt, I'm not an HR specialist, but it's been my general experience that managers want to hire good people, team players that are willing to help their team out to make the day go smoothly, they aren't not necessarily looking for someone who does well on multiple choice tests. Your knowledge will come with time, your personality is what it is.

Thank you everyone for answering my message.

I followed all your advice. I came out the interview feeling confident and proud of myself. I interviewed with 3 nurse managers. Now I am waiting patiently on that phone call. They said in 2 weeks. I don't know if I can send a thank you card despite I don't remember one of the nurse manager names.

Thank you again