advice requested= track to PICU

Good Luck!!!!!

Thank you so much janfrn! Your responses are always excellent, and I'm thrilled to see a fellow Canuck here doing great things!

I'll keep everyone posted.

Hi all!

I had my interview today, and I think it went okay! I can think of a few things I wish that I had said or not said, but they seemed to like some of my answers and I hope all is not lost! They were very friendly and did mention that nurses starting there would come from all walks of nursing, from new grads to experienced PICU nurses. There is hope, maybe! I've written down all the questions that I can remember so that if I have other job interviews in the future, I can be ready. I won't know for a couple of weeks, but I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again for your support!

Hi,
I'm not a PICU nurse, I am a Peds nurse.
PICU can be very complex...and interacting with the parents and family can be intense at times.
Are they offering a ICU training class??
Will they let you go right into an ICU setting?
I know that the PICU nurses that I work with enjoy it.

Good Luck!!

Canadian_Nurse, I'm sure your interview went well. You're showing a woeful lack of confidence by planning your next one already! You said they were nice, and reassuring about your nursing origins. I'll bet they call you next week and offer you the job. Just out of curiosity, where did you interview?

A woeful lack of confidence? I didn't think of it that way Jan, but you're right! And here I thought I was being smart by trying to remember most of the questions...I hadn't had a job interview in about six years! I'm hopeful, but I'm of the inclination that the glass is half empty, that way I wouldn't be disappointed if they don't hire me. I know, woeful. The waiting is torture, but I know I did the best that I could, I have good references, we'll just wait and see. Next week can't come fast enough! Thanks for the vote of confidence Jan, if I'm ever back in Edmonton I'll look you up! I have enough family there, that's for sure.

Sure, come on over!! The kettle's always on.

If you have good references, then I think you're going to be fine. I don't know about the folks who interviewed you, but I put much more stock in what others think of someone than what the individual thinks about themselves. Specific examples immediately pop to mind! Let me know when your orientation starts!

J

I am an RPN (LPN) and I am interested in pediatrics. I'm not sure if RPN's are hired in a children's hospital. I have over 5 years of experience in a long term setting. What are the requirements? Does anybody know of an RPN working in pediatrics. Thanks

You can also buy the critical care associations review book "Core Corriculum for Pediatric Intensive Care" as a resource - you can but it off their website.
Karen

I have a related question...

I am a new grad, and i am 2 interviews in for a spot in a PICU internship program. In my last interview, the nurse recruiter asked me "who was the most critical patient i saw during clinicals, and what was my plan of care for this patient". I NEVER thought that someone would ask me such a question in an interview (haha, new grad)...then i read the comments that Janfrn wrote in response, and now i'm more worried...

My next interview will be a panel interview with several individuals who will ask me questions. Now, being that i am a new grad, just how much am I expected to know? I mean, i know my basics...this post just gave lots of importance in review my stuff...