Interview !! NEED HELP

RNforrest · Jan 16, 2015

Congrats on getting an interview. First off, this is an interview for an ER position. So, why do you want to work in the ER? This question will most likely be presented to you. Are you just an adrenaline junkie or do you like the fast paced, patient focused, assessment driven environment, hint hint.

Again this being an ER position, you will be in stressful situations. They may ask how you handle stress or may even try to fluster you with questions you don't know the answer to. Stay calm, tell them what you don't know and do not be afraid to say the words "I don't know". Do not guess or pretend to know, big red flag!

The ER is the front lines of the hospital. You may have some patient scenario questions. Which patient woukd you see first type of questions. Just go back to your basics. BLS, ACLS, signs and symptoms of MI's and strokes.

Many of the interviews I have been in are behavioral based. Tell us of a time you had a conflict with a coworker? How did you resolve it? Tell us of a difficult patient and what did you do? Before your interview I would come up with 10+ scenarios from your clinical experiences that you can tweek to each question. The point is not to wow them with your stories, the point is for them to see that you are a strong candidate because you are a team player, you are confident (not cocky), you are resourceful, you will be a patient advocate, and that if hired you're not going to be a problem child. I woukd also throw in the words "pateint safety and education" somewhere during your interview.

Have several questions ready to ask about the unit, the hospital, the staff. How is moral? Has there been much turn over? How is the team work? Do the doctors and nurses communicate effectively? Is this ER stroke and heart certified? Make them tell you why you should work for them.

Hope this helps in any way.

_firefly, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 16, 2015

Great advice. Not much more I can add to that. I had an ER interview recently and it covered everything just mentioned. However I would also add that you should know about the hospital in general (mission, values, magnet status, teaching, for profit, specialties, etc). Finally you will probably have to discuss how you stay current with nursing info/ skills and how you stay organized throughout a chaotic day. Best of luck!

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Jan 16, 2015

Come up with examples of how you have been part of a team. The ER is a stressful fast paced envoirnment that needs its members to function well as a team.

Examples of how you have led a team or be part of a cohesive unit.

Examples of how well you can give and receive criticism.

And you will be asked "why the ER"

It is a much different beast than floor nursing

How do you handle pressure

Do you have a sense of humor

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

Because you are a new nurse, emphasize how you have no bad habits to train you out of and how they can train you straight to their way of doing things. When they ask "what is your worst habit" or something like that, come up with something real but NEVER leave it without also telling them how you compensate for it!

ex. I have a hard time waking up in the morning, so I always set my alarm on the other side of the room to force me out of bed to turn it off.

Also, never never never talk badly about your previous coworkers, co-students, or ex-bosses! Never! It's a red flag to how you will act towards the new boss or coworkers.

Good luck! Please tell us how you did!

work77 · Jan 16, 2015

Thank you so much everyone for your contributions . I will definitely prepare all of these questions .

I will let you how it goes. Finger cross:yes:

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

200 applicants for one position....WOW

Good Luck!

Thread moved for best response

work77 · Jan 16, 2015

Thank you so much .

Yes, "200 applicants for one position....WOW":saint:

turtle0206 · Jan 16, 2015

from my experience, the top questions i've been asked:

-why do you want to work in this department

-do you work well in a fast paced setting

-** give me an example of a hardship you faced and how you overcame *** this question has been asked to me so many times from retail in high school all the way to nursing lol.

-for the bad quality question i've always answered "sometimes i care too much" and follow it up with "but it makes me a better nurse and i've been better at setting boundries and leaving work at work"

-where do you see yourself in five years (this is another question that always comes up)

The main thing is to stay positive. practice in the mirror if you need to. dress appropriately, keep eye contact, and smile.

goodluck! just getting an interview is a good sign, some people don't make it past the recruiter

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

Holy smokes! 200 applicants for 1 position? Talk about competitive. The advice you are getting is great, all I have to add is good luck!!

lovinglife2015 · Jan 16, 2015

testing

lovinglife2015 · Jan 17, 2015

Whatever nervous energy you have turn it around and be sure to let the interviewer know that you are dedicated and passionate/excited about the position and that you are the best person for the job. I actually said that once and was hired. You need to find a way to stand out from other applicants and enthusiasm is it, grades and experience being equal, personality will win.