First job interview feel like I flubbed it! Anybody else feel like that?

I can empathize with you. I do not like interviews at all. After my interview, I kept thinking about all of the wrong things that I said. I did make sure to send a thank you note. Also, I called her to let her know that I was interested in the job and would accept it if offered. We had left it at the end of the interview that we would talk in two days. She told me to decide if I really wanted to work there. At the time, I was undecided because I was going to work for Maxim in Private Duty. But, after really thinking about it, I decided that I would like to work in this place. Also, I was a bit leery about working in a nursing home. But, this one seems adequately staffed for 93 residents there are 5 or 6 nurses. Also, the med nurse is responsible for meds and charting. And, there is a separate treatment nurse. This nursing home has had good ratings.

Now, I wish that I would have appeared more confident. But, I just freeze in interviews. And, I am scared to return to nursing after being gone for four years. Mainly, because I have had health issues, and I am worried that I may end up getting sick again, if I work too much. However, I am only starting out PT. But, the FT sounds very inviting as their benefits are decent.

But, I hope my interviewer took into account that I was just nervous. My sister hires medical assistants, and she realizes that there are some people who just don't interview well. She takes that into consideration, if they have good work history and references. I am certain that my former employer would give me a glowing reference.

I had two interviews today. I wasn't prepared for either of them. I didn't know that they interview you on the spot when you walk in to ask if they are hiring. A DON asked me, "What did your nursing instructors say was your weakness?" I said, "They said I ought to hold my head up, and act like I have confidence in myself." All at once, I noticed that I had my head down, and that look I get when I wish I could hide. I felt like an idiot.

I feel like somehow I mess up every interview I go to. I just don't seem to interview well. The funniest one was when they were hiring me, went through all the paperwork drill, signed up for a mandatory class, updated everything, waiting for first assignment, went in to the office, and got told that I was being "unhired". Although there were special circumstances, that one sure took the cake as far as I was concerned. I no longer take interviews seriously. I just assume that they can do whatever they want, either way, whenever they want, and the interview is just a formality. Never assume anything until you get your first paycheck.

daelia - I am very sorry. That must be very frustrating when you were employed by them for 10 years. I would think that would be bonus points for you.

caliotter3 - Wow, that is scary. Was that an agency? That is how Maxim was operating. I went and filled out bookoo paperwork, paid for my own background check. They told me to go in and talk to the clinical director and take their class on ventilators the same day I was just starting to get a bad feeling about it. They always have ads for my locality. The recruiter told me they were really hurting for nurses. That was a red flag for me. The turnover rate is too high.

But, I won't feel officially hired until I start working. Also, there is a 90 day probation period. After the 90 days, I will breathe a sigh of relief. I must admit that I am very scared, and there are moments when I think maybe I should do something else besides nursing. But, that is just the fear in me. I remember my last job took me about four or five months before I felt comfortable.

callioter3,

I just reread your post and realize that it was an agency job. I decided that I was not ready for a nursing position where I was on my own. My only experience is in behavioral health. However, have worked with geri-psych. Someday, I would like to work HH, but for now I need more experience. I just hope that fellow nurses are willing to help me make the transition.