PCT Interview With Staff RN's

Nursing Students Technicians

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I recently earned my Patient Care Tech certificate, and have my first job interview at a local hospital tomorrow. My first interview will be with the nurses on the shift that I applied for. I would like to hear from anyone who also Interviewed first with the Nurses. What are the basic questions you were asked.

Well I had my interview with the nurse manager, and she asked me why I felt I was best for this position, how I would handle things, what is my worst quality, what is my best quality, just basic getting to know you questions.

Do you mean you actually interview with the floor nurses, or just some supervisors/charge nurses? I did interview for an ER tech job where they took me on the floor and introduced me to the nurses during the interview and a couple of them asked about my background.

It was interesting but I knew I wouldn't get the job before the interview even started because I sat in a waiting room full of really experienced Paramedics with previous ER tech experience and I was just an EMT with road experience.

Like most interviews I've had, it centered around my work history and my personality, with a couple of how would you handle this situation questions thrown in.

Yes I interviewed with the floor nurse. On my first interview at the hospital I interviewed with the floor department manager then meet with three different nurses. Didn't get that job but 3 weeks later I got another call from same hospital different floor and had the same type of interview except I had 2 different managers and a floor nurse. Got that job. Love my new job. I was told by someone in healthcare that they usually will have the nurses interview you also since they are the ones who will be working with you.

I'm not sure Id want to take a job where Im interviewed by my future coworkers. It just seems like right off the bat you know its going to be a place that's cliquey and uptight, and who wants to work in that environment? Granted as a tech in a hospital you are going to be subjected to that just about anywhere you work, but a place that interviews like that is guaranteed to be worse than most. I can also picture a situation where previous techs apparently didn't work out, so now the RNs want to check out any future hires, which then makes me ask are these RNs demanding and difficult to work with?

Aint nobody got time fo dat.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I'm not sure Id want to take a job where Im interviewed by my future coworkers. It just seems like right off the bat you know its going to be a place that's cliquey and uptight and who wants to work in that environment? Granted as a tech in a hospital you are going to be subjected to that just about anywhere you work, but a place that interviews like that is guaranteed to be worse than most. I can also picture a situation where previous techs apparently didn't work out, so now the RNs want to check out any future hires, which then makes me ask are these RNs demanding and difficult to work with? Aint nobody got time fo dat.[/quote']

Not sure what you are going to do....healthcare jobs, at least nursing positions, are moving towards more "working interviews". It's beneficial for both parties; I have assisted in hiring people because of the "working interview" process, and they are wonderful in their nursing knowledge and practice. :yes:

Specializes in Forensic Psych.
I'm not sure Id want to take a job where Im interviewed by my future coworkers. It just seems like right off the bat you know its going to be a place that's cliquey and uptight and who wants to work in that environment? Granted as a tech in a hospital you are going to be subjected to that just about anywhere you work, but a place that interviews like that is guaranteed to be worse than most. I can also picture a situation where previous techs apparently didn't work out, so now the RNs want to check out any future hires, which then makes me ask are these RNs demanding and difficult to work with? Aint nobody got time fo dat.[/quote']

I agree. I don't know that I wouldn't take a job like that, but the idea rubs me the wrong way. As a tech, I don't work for the nurses. I work WITH the nurses.

Well in my case, it worked out perfect. I work with a wonderful staff of nurses.

More and more places are doing what is called peer interviewing. I do understand why some of you might not like the idea of a potential coworker interviewing you but a successful group is based on teamwork and personality reflects allot about your ability to relate to others.. Peer interviewing is becoming a popular way of hiring and seems to work quite well.

I agree. I don't know that I wouldn't take a job like that, but the idea rubs me the wrong way. As a tech, I don't work for the nurses. I work WITH the nurses.

You actually work under the nurses. Just like a nurse works under the Physician. We all work collaboratively together for the patient. There is a hierarchy though.

You actually work under the nurses. Just like a nurse works under the Physician. We all work collaboratively together for the patient. There is a hierarchy though.

Ultimately I work for the hospital, and I have a charge nurse and supervisor who I answer to, not EVERY individual RN I work with during a shift. On a floor I may have 18 patients divided among 6 RNs. Do I work for all 6 RNs at the same time? What if 3 RNs want me to do something at the same time(not exactly a rare occurrence). Its up to me to prioritize and decide which needs to be done first, or what the RN will just have to handle without me. Most RNs have never worked as techs and have no experience working with so many different staff and patients at once and constantly getting pulled in so many directions on a consistent basis.

You cant please everyone all of the time, not all the patients and not all the RNs, if making them all happy all the time is your main priority you're going to consistently fall behind and make mistakes, and sooner or later it'll be something important that will land you and an RN you are working WITH in hot water, so if you look at every RN you work with as your boss, good luck with that.

Specializes in Forensic Psych.
You actually work under the nurses. Just like a nurse works under the Physician. We all work collaboratively together for the patient. There is a hierarchy though.

No....

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