Interviewing nurses

[Gailsimpson]

I have to interview 2 newly-qualified nurses for D Grade posts, and 3 nurses who are applying for E grade posts (they are experienced - our system is different to yours in the USA!). The posts are in the post-anaesthetic care unit at another hospital in the city. I have been asked to give approximately 4 scenario questions. The hospital where I work does not recommend using scenario questions so I am having difficulties thinking of suitable questions! Can anybody please help???? I will be very grateful

[Janet Barclay]

Hi Gail,

Our interview questions for ICU typicaly have a patient centered scenario in which the patient goes sour (how sour depends on level of experience), a scenario in which the nurse has to demonstrate time management/priority setting skills (also pateint centered), and on in which there is a conflict with a more senior nurse (supposed to demonstrate leadership). We have worked out the scoring so that we know exactly what answers we are expecting and then score the candidate on their answers.

Hope this helps,

Janet :)

[Destinystar]

Talking to people who have actually worked with them should tell you all you need to know. What nurses say they would do in a situation and what they actually would do could be 2 different things. Ask there past supervisor to tell you what kind of environment they worked in, there attendance, attitude, knowledge. Objective opinions are better than subjective ones. Then talk to them and see if they are honest or realistic.:) How is the UK. I just got a license there.

[critcarenurse16]

Talking to people who have actually worked with them should tell you all you need to know. What nurses say they would do in a situation and what they actually would do could be 2 different things. Ask there past supervisor to tell you what kind of environment they worked in, there attendance, attitude, knowledge. Objective opinions are better than subjective ones. Then talk to them and see if they are honest or realistic.:) How is the UK. I just got a license there.

Just a word of caution though...some states have very strict rules limiting what a former employer may tell a prospective employer. Here in Michigan if an employee does not give permission to a former employer to talk about experience, knowledge, attitude, work record etc, that former employer may ONLY verify dates of employment. It is generally assumed however that when an applicant lists a reference the hiring employer may ask work related or personal questions. Hope this is helpful.

[bsnecu99]

Hi Gail,

Our interview questions for ICU typicaly have a patient centered scenario in which the patient goes sour (how sour depends on level of experience), a scenario in which the nurse has to demonstrate time management/priority setting skills (also pateint centered), and on in which there is a conflict with a more senior nurse (supposed to demonstrate leadership). We have worked out the scoring so that we know exactly what answers we are expecting and then score the candidate on their answers.

Hope this helps,

Janet :)

Hmm, you say "we have worked out the scoring so that we know exactly what answers we are expecting and then score the candidate on their answers." Are these subjective nursing questions? Meaning, while you may do vitals first, someone else may not. Does that mean the answer is wrong? Since when is nursing based on rote? I was put through the same kind of crap at the END of my nursing experience in a local megahospital. The "quiz" was embarrasingly easy. One of the questions was to make a diagnosis. This is illegal within our scope of practice as nurses, is it not? My NM, who had been trying to ditch me since day #1 told me and my PhD husband I flunked every single question. When my husband demanded we see the answer sheet it was then Miss Thing admitted the answers are totally subjective. Every single person approaches a problem in a different way, NOT a RIGHT AND WRONG WAY! Sheesh, where is YOUR hospital? I would NEVER want to interview with you! AACK!