Advice needed for interview

[CoolsvilleRN, MSN, APN]

I have a phone interview next week for a newly created OR Nurse Residency program at an area hospital. Other than the obvious interview prep stuff (e.g., facility background, mission, etc.), I am looking for any advice/suggestions on areas that I should brush up on in order to make this dream a reality.

I have a background in med/surg and LTAC. I've been working PD float (med/surg, PCU, surgical unit) since last June while finishing up my BSN (finally happening May 2016).

Thanks in advance!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I doubt that there will be any questions specific to OR nursing. However, I would prepare for answers as to why the OR, how do you handle crisis scenarios, teamwork, and things like that.

[writerartistnurse]

The OR is a strange place, lol. It's the kind of job you can't just observe a day and know you want it. You'll know after a few months if it's right for you, you'll either leave in tears everyday or be pumped to go to work. It's just how it is. You either make it or you don't. Im not scaring you, sorry. Just laying it out there. I've been in the OR for two years and it's the hardest, most tough job Ive ever had in my life, hands down. You need to make sure that you are a TEAM player. There is really not any autonomy in the OR, everyone works together, you have to be in the same room with the same person for an entire case whether you like that person or not (and believe me, you will find lots and lots and LOTS of very difficult personalities in the OR). I wish I was better prepared for it and really knew what I was getting into. However, as cynical as I Sound, I would not work in any other area of nursing except the OR. Good luck. I really stress the teamwork bit, even if they don't ask you how well you work with others, if you want the job, I'd mention it myself if I were you, that I really value teamwork and work great with others and remain professional even with the most difficult people.

[CoolsvilleRN, MSN, APN]

Well, it sounds like this may be the right place for me based on what you have said with regard to the team player comments. The decision to follow this path came with a lot of self reflection over quite some time and realizing how I am wired. I greatly appreciate the advice both of you have given me, and will certainly keep all of this in mind. Thank you both so much!

[writerartistnurse]

you're welcome, good luck!

[CoolsvilleRN, MSN, APN]

Update: Phone interview went extremely well. The director mentioned they had a few more phone interviews to conduct before notifying candidates whether they were advancing to the face-to-face interview phase. Fingers and toes crossed... I want this opportunity!

Thanks, again, for sharing your thoughts and experiences!