Today's interview

[johnst10]

First, this is not to bash on LPNs as interviewers or leaders.

I have a question re an interview I had today. I was interviewed by a LPN who has no direct mgmt of nurses or any of their responsabilities. I've never been interviewed by a LPN before. From what I could gather, she was the educator and had a few other jobs at the LTC. The interview only lasted 20 mins and I asked most of the questions. She didn't mention any follow up interview. I didn't realize she was an LPN until I went to write a thank you letter. Then I got to thinking, maybe this was just an interview she felt she had to do and already had someone in mind. Or maybe she thought I was not really all that interested wouldn't stay long (that is true). It was all just odd. Any thoughts?

[Midwest4me]

For what kind of position did you interview? Charge nurse? Floor nurse? It IS odd that an LPN would be the one to interview you(I'm not bashing LPNs--I AM one) but perhaps she was designated by the DNS to do so because of her longevity at the facility...? What makes you think that she may have had someone else in mind?

[achot chavi]

If you are not interested and not planning on staying long- what do you care?.

The facility can designate whoever they want (think is capable) to interview- there are no restrictions that say that an LPN cant interview for potential staff.

Good Luck

[johnst10]

Well, to reply to both of you. I applied for a floor nurse position. I think there was someone else just by the shortness of the interview. I wouldn't care so much if I didn't think I was wasting my time! I would have welcomed anyone interviewing me if it had been a "normal" interview lasting more than 20 mins.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I interviewed once for a DNS position. I was told after the first 5 minutes that I was perfect for the job. Everyone has a different technique for interviewing. If I know the person won't fit or if they come in with a bad attitude or an unruly kid in tow..or a dog on a leash (!!!) why would I waste any more of my time or theirs? I'm certainly not saying anything about you...I've also made up my mind on a wonderful candidate in 10 minutes. Good luck with your job search.

PS...nice touch with the thank you note. I always appreciate it when I get one.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I worked at a large nursing home for 2 years. The DOSD (director of staff development) was an LPN who interviewed all nursing applicants and made the final hiring decisions.

She asked few, if any, questions to the applicants during her interviews due to the extreme employee turnover problems faced by this facility. She felt that if she were to grill potential employees too harshly, they might find somewhere else to work.

By the way, I have never had a "normal" interview in LTC. The interviews typically last a few minutes because they don't want to turn potential staff away.

[Nascar nurse, ASN, RN]

I have interviewed many many potential nurses over the last 20 years (I was an LPN for many years of that time, but now an RN). My DON would chuckle when I came back to the office either to quickly or to slowly. Quickly meant something rubbed me really wrong about the person or to slowly meant they were a talker and I couldn't nicely get them to leave! The "good" interviews typically lasted about 20-30 minutes, so I wouldn't consider yours that unusual.

I always try to give a tour of the facility & right or wrong, I make a lot of judgements on that. Does the person walk at a snails pace, dragging their feet along, will they make eye contact with a resident and say Hello if the opportunity presents itself, how they greet current staff members well if introduced, etc. It is unbelievable to me that some potential people are so disinterested in the residents and current staff. Recently had a CNA come in for interview with a disheveled sweat suit on with the words "Nurse" across her back and across her butt. Not a good first impression!

[achot chavi]

I always try to give a tour of the facility & right or wrong, I make a lot of judgements on that. Does the person walk at a snails pace, dragging their feet along, will they make eye contact with a resident and say Hello if the opportunity presents itself, how they greet current staff members well if introduced, etc.

Absolutely right, I do the same thing, although I take into account that they may be shy at first and try to judge with a generous eye. Besides I want to see how they feel about the place, we make potential CNA's spend 2 hours observing a unit so see if the work here suits them- in hebrew we say, the groom cant marry unless he first sees and approves the bride....

It is unbelievable to me that some potential people are so disinterested in the residents and current staff. Recently had a CNA come in for interview with a disheveled sweat suit on with the words "Nurse" across her back and across her butt. Not a good first impression!

You can say that again, I have seen seasoned CNA's come with their hair disheveled, missing buttons on their shirts,

I once had a nurse say that after a night shift she is tired and will require a private room to sleep until she is well rested enough to go home, PS she doesn't have a drivers license- she just didn;t want to take a bus and fall asleep on it!!!

[johnst10]

Thanks for the info folks. I think I made a good impression, now it is the wait and see time :hpygrp:. I could have brought Joey the mimi schnauzer w/me. I would have really stood out then! He's so cute!

[johnst10]

I got the job! I am sooooo relieved. Now I can turn the heat up over 64%. I've been freezing trying to save $ just in case.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Congratulations!!! Now that you have the job, bring the dog!

[johnst10]

I just may! They allow pets...:chuckle