ICU interview--what do they really ask?

I would also like to know what they are asking you during the interview. I am soon going to apply to SICU in Philly

I would be prepared to answer some of the following:

Why do you want to work in the acute care setting?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Name a time you failed and what you did about it?
What makes you the stronger canidate?
What experience do you have in the critical/acute care setting?
Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs?
What are your goals if given this opportunity?

I was also asked a very weird question not that anyone would ever get it again. Would you rather be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond? hmmmmmm

Anyway good luck with your interviews. Those are just a few I could think of at 3 am.

wow, I thinks a would rather be a medium fish what did you say to that one? Very interesting question

I think it really depends on whether you're interviewing as a new grad or an experienced nurse.

As a new grad I was asked basic interview questions like why I want to work in an ICU, goals, personality traits, etc. There were very little, if any, specific questions about patient care in an ICU setting since they knew I was a new grad.

As an experienced nurse, I was asked about what types of patients I'm experienced in taking care of, familiarity with hemodynamic monitoring, care of patients on vents, vasoactive drips, time management, working with interdisciplinary teams, certifications. This included more questions that seemed to test my clinical knowledge.

Good luck!!!!

I was a new grad and I answered: "I would like to be the small fish in a big pond because I would have lots of room to grow." Kinda cheesy but after talking with others I think it might have been a good answer. Anyway I did get the job then so who knows.

tell your icu manager you wish you work as much overtime as possible lol

I like the working overtime. I wouldn't sign anything though because you would be there 24/7

They ask experienced RN's a LOT of situational type questions to see how well you prioritize. As well, they will also ask about family type matters to see if you know when the client's family needs an update from the Resident or Intensivist, and when Social Work may need to be called in.

A big question is how you handle stress or behave in stressful situations.