Interview for allergy practice... Help!

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

So I secured an interview for an RN position at an allergy practice. I had found the position on Craigslist, I think, and emailed them my resume (on the posting, it didn't say the name of the practice, which is the norm for Craigslist - so I was unaware what it was for when the nursing super called). So when I called the lady back, it turns out it's for an allergy practice, so an office environment. This is a setting that I would like to work in, due to various reasons - especially my hearing impairment.

I wanted to ask if anyone here has worked/is working at an allergy practice, or at least knows more information about the type of work involved in this type of RN position? I want to be as prepared as possible because this is an unconventional setting for an RN, and I've been searching for a job for quite a while. I am also a new grad RN, BSN. Thanks in advance! :)

Congrats!! I'm glad that scouring CL has paid off for you!

I am just guessing here, but think you would be doing a lot of testing and allergy shots. The one thing I know from my clinical experience.....if a patient is receiving allergy shots they may not take beta blockers prior to their injection. This is because they need epi to work in case the pt experiences a reaction. At least that was my experience.

I think allergy would be fun.....you will likely really get to know the patients.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

Specializes in Allergy and Immunology.
Congrats!! I'm glad that scouring CL has paid off for you!

I am just guessing here, but think you would be doing a lot of testing and allergy shots. The one thing I know from my clinical experience.....if a patient is receiving allergy shots they may not take beta blockers prior to their injection. This is because they need epi to work in case the pt experiences a reaction. At least that was my experience.

I think allergy would be fun.....you will likely really get to know the patients.

Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

I agree with the above poster. I currently work in Allergy and Asthma. I was an LPN there then finished my RN and still work there. I was promoted to the Nursing Supervisor. So I have administrative duties that any other nursing supervisor would have such as making sure we are staffed appropriately, making sure we have supplies ordered, Supervising other employees, other RNs, LPNs, and CMAs. I also still do the same job I had as an LPN such as allergy skin testing, PFTs, Nebulizers, allergy shots, asthma shots, flu shots (during season), prior authorizations for meds that are not covered, Rx refills per physician order, telephone triage for allergic and breathing emergencies, walk ins, food and drug challenges. For the most part its a little repetitive but I like it and its relatively stress free most days.

Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

Thank you for your valuable input! I really hope it goes well. I truly desire to work in an office environment and I thrive in quieter environments. I am doing some research on allergy nursing and allergies in general to brush up on information. I've also made notes of your comments so that I can be more familiar with allergy nursing so I don't sound so clueless during the interview. Unfortunately, I caught a small cold over the weekend, which is bad timing! Going to have to fake it and hope they don't notice I'm sick!

Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

So... interview went well! The nursing supervisor seemed to be impressed with the fact that I have my BSN and seem to come highly qualified for the position. She did ask how much I know about allergy. I relayed that because I have not worked in this setting before, I do not know too much. However, I did say that I have some knowledge of it, especially since I went to school for my BSN and some experience with blood draws and injections. I told her I'm a quick learner and I have attention to detail, which is what is needed for this type of work and to practice SAFELY. I really conveyed my interest in the work that they do there, and that I would love to learn how to do allergy testing (not all nurses there know how to do it and they have training available for that). She asked why I would choose this over hospital nursing, where nurses typically get paid more. I said in that acute hospital environment, you really don't get to know your patients and/or spend time with them. I told her I was looking for a position where I could focus on my patients and my work, which is where attention to detail comes in. I really think I'm a good fit for this type of environment and I hope and pray I'm selected. I'm at my wit's end with trying to get someone to give me a chance. It's a normal 8-9 to 5ish position. She's interviewing a lot of people though. Fingers crossed....!!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Sending positive vibes! :up::up::up::up:

Specializes in GYN/Med-Surg.

Well, I didn't get the position.. I called this morning and they told me that the position has been filled. I'm a little miffed that they didn't have the decency to call me and let me know... The nursing director I interviewed with said that she'd be calling all candidates to let them know. Whatever. I think I'm going to give up right about now. I'm about 5 months pregnant, so it's most likely pointless. Awesome.

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