Help me out guys, I don't even know if I want to show up for the interview.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 9, 2014

Well, if you don't go, you won't get the job. That's for certain. If you do go and you mess up or whatever, you might not get the job. If you go and don't try to cover up your limitations and are willing to learn, you might get the job. Worst case is that you go, you interview, not get the job... and you learn how to interview better next time.

supaflyz · Sep 9, 2014

Some of my classmates whom have landed job at that hospital (at a different location) told me they will give me 3 months of orientation. I'm just so afraid of failing. I went to get a bachelor degree to land a job like this so I could actually experience what I learn in nursing school.

ICURN3020 · Sep 9, 2014

Go for it! If they ask you questions that you don't know the answer to, be honest and say, "I haven't had much/any experience with that working in LTC. However, I am looking forward to developing my clinical/pathophysiology/critical thinking skills during my orientation period" or something to that effect. End your responses on a positive note and sell your strong points!

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 9, 2014

Some of my classmates whom have landed job at that hospital (at a different location) told me they will give me 3 months of orientation. I'm just so afraid of failing. I went to get a bachelor degree to land a job like this so I could actually experience what I learn in nursing school.

Are you more afraid of failing or afraid of achieving your dream? Maybe you could strike up a deal with your current employer and maybe you can find a way to leave on good (if not great) terms so if you do fail in your new adventure, you have a parachute. Sometimes the only way to grow is when you have the threat of failure nearby for a little while.

It's your choice. Remember that courage is feeling fear and doing it anyway. It's not taking unnecessary risk, but knowing that with a certain risk there can be a certain reward. Your choice.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 9, 2014

You will never know until you try. IV skills are learned with practice. Some hospitals have IV nurses who do that all for you. Also, you will have an adequate orientation. The hospital has brought in many LTC nurses to acute care in the past and they will work with you to see which skills you need help with.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Sep 9, 2014

You won't know until you try. Be confident in what you DO know. Be willing to learn what you NEED to know.

Every facility has different equiptment. That is not unusual. There are multi-year nurses who have never done IV's due to an IV team. So again, not necessarily unusual.

And there is an orientation.

And that you are pursuing your BSN is also a plus.

Practice confidence. And your willingness to learn. Having a "failing is not an option" standpoint also helps. You will have resources. Talk up how you will use them.

Good luck!

roser13, ASN, RN · Sep 9, 2014

Some of my classmates whom have landed job at that hospital (at a different location) told me they will give me 3 months of orientation. I'm just so afraid of failing. I went to get a bachelor degree to land a job like this so I could actually experience what I learn in nursing school.

I've got news for you: even after you obtain your bachelors' degree, you will feel this way. New-nurse nerves don't go away for a long time. If the hospital knows where you're currently working, they won't expect your IV skills or your time management techniques to be top-notch.

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Sep 9, 2014

Look.

Would you laugh if a dialysis nurse asked for help with foley catheters because few of her patients pee? Of course not!

Would you look down on an OR nurse if she asked for a reminder about feeding a patient with aspiration precautions? Of course not!

Would you think less of an OB nurse if she was concerned about how to dress a pressure ulcer? Nah!

(I know these aren't great examples, but it's early and you get the idea)

They know where you are coming from and what skills that involves and doesn't involve, and they chose to call you for an interview anyway! So go for it!

canigraduate · Sep 9, 2014

Your skills will only grow rustier with time. Go ahead and interview.

You are worried about people you don't know judging you at a job you don't have yet.

I think you should change your inner dialogue, because you are setting yourself up for failure. Focus on the opportunity to improve instead of the opportunity to "fail."

By the way, embarrassment is NOT failure. Failure is neglectfully harming your patient, losing the lawsuit, losing your license, becoming homeless, and living out of your car.

Wrench Party · Sep 9, 2014

I wouldn't fret over not having certain 'skills'. Most places will figure out what you lack, and will design an orientation to address them. Many units are looking for the right personality to fit in with their culture, not a nurse who knows everything.

Coming from LTC, you have time management, med administration and bedside manner to bring to the table, all important for floor nurses.

In relation to IV starts and med administration, my last nursing job I was not required to do either of these frequently. In my interview for my current job, I was blatantly honest about the skills I lacked, and was hired anyway. Now I'm about to receive training focusing on both.

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Sep 9, 2014

I would never be a no-show for an interview. At least call & cancel. You can sell yourself while honestly disclosing training you need simultaneously; I have. Just turn everything into a positive. Example: I will need some additional training/practice on IV insertion, but I'm a quick learner & have some experience already.