Very first interview in nursing, first interview in 12 years

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Hello, I'm a recent graduate, as of this month. I have my very first interview as an RN in a LTC facility, which also has step-down unit and rehabilitation patients as well. In clinical I worked primarily on Med Surg floors, along with the pedi and maternity and psych rotations.

I'm a 35 year old who has worked for the last 12 years in an IT sales company as an administrative assistant and sales operations rep. The DON is aware I'll be taking my boards on June 18th.

I'm going to be speaking with the DON, not sure if there will be others in the interview with me. Is there anyone who might be able to set up some pointers for me? Might the interview be only based on skills, will there possibly be a quiz, med math? drug test?

Thanks guys!

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LTC is almost a sure thing. They are desperate and it's hard hard work

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Hi Megs,

Given that I'm still a nursing student, I can't give you pointers on the interview content, but as a former recruiter in HR, I can definitely give you a few simple tips for the actual interview.

At the beginning of the interview, use the DONs name as you shake their hand and maintain good eye contact.

During the interview, mimic their body language. If they are relaxed in their chair, don't sit rigidly in yours. If they throw a question at you that stumps you a bit, avoid "Ummmms" if you can. Instead replace them with phrases like, "That's a really great question and I believe..." You buy yourself time to think about the question while still sounding eloquent.

At the end of the interview, if they stand up, shake your hand and have you show yourself out, instead of just walking out, open the door, stop, turn around while standing in the door frame with a big smile and thank them for their time using their name. This one may sound a little silly, but it's the difference between their last image of you being your behind walking away, or you with a big smile framed in the doorway. :)

Sorry I can't be of more help with the content, but hopefully this helps a bit. If you go in with confidence and stay relaxed, I'm sure you'll nail it. Good luck to you!

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Sickening. Yeah, it's all realistic, Justin.J, at least for you, but I still think the whole process is just sickening.

People want to work because they need to support themselves! They want to work in a certain area because they either love it or no one else is hiring! And instead of people just being free to say these truths, we have to think about mimicking behaviors and smiling in doorways.

Not blaming you, just remarking.

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I agree kooky. I'm pretty sure my interviewers for my dream Job last week thought I was a retard. I forgot to shake their hands cuz I was so nervous. I didn't answer any of the questions the way I wanted to. But I still feel I would be the best for the position because it's all I want to do :(

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