Phone interview with a county health department

[sourapril]

Anyone had experience with interviewing for a public health nurse job at a health department? What kinda of questions do they ask? How did you answer them? I am good with most general nursing questions/personality/HR questions. Just wondering if you came across any unique questions from health department. P.S. I would be interviewed by the director of a rural public health department who is a nurse.Thanks in advance!

[rudycoon]

Difference between public health and acute care, why do you want to work in public health, and several scenario questions pertaining to the area(s) in which they have vacancies.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I had a behavioral interview. "Tell me about a time when"...

The position was for an Immunization nurse. Handed an actual immunization record ( with current immunization standards) kept by the parent and facility and had to determine what vaccination was needed next.

Tough interview for $20 an hour with no benefits.

Does your county pay better?

[sourapril]

I don't know the pay yet, guess that's something to ask during the interview. :) So did you end up getting a public health nursing job or you found jobs somewhere else? How do you like it?

I had a behavioral interview. "Tell me about a time when"...

The position was for an Immunization nurse. Handed an actual immunization record ( with current immunization standards) kept by the parent and facility and had to determine what vaccination was needed next.

Tough interview for $20 an hour with no benefits.

Does your county pay better?

[elprup, BSN, RN]

When I interviewed and was offerred the job, they said it was because I stated that I loved public health, interacting with the public, and I believed everybody deserves compassionate care. I talked about how Patients need us to meet them where they are and build from there. It is about making a connection, because in public health, sometimes we are their only connection. And how I wanted to make a difference. Be sincere and be yourself, you will do great! The pay maybe really low, in Northern California rural area, the pay was $20 an hour.

[sourapril]

The interview was an hour. I think the nursing director is really interested in me. We scheduled an in person interview for next week. I am also gonna job shadow some nurses after the interview. However, as I said before, it's rural and the pay is significantly lower than the city. It's similar to what an LPN would make... Anyhow, I would have to relocate 2 hours from my place...not sure if my boyfriend would like that.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Good luck. Hope it works out.