Ambulatory RN interview- med/surg experience

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Hi,

I have an interview on Thursday for an ambulatory RN position in a pediatric clinic that serves children and families with special needs. I have 3 years hospital experience on a med/surg unit. The interview is for a clinic in the same health system where I currently work, so it would be a transfer for me.

Any ambulatory interview tips? What should I wear? I wore black pants, flats and a white button up blouse to my interview for my current position. I've only ever had one nursing interview!

How might this interview be different than an interview for an inpatient setting?

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Dress business casual. A nice suit, sheath dress, or slacks and a nice blouse. Conservative accessories, hair, makeup is best. For men, a suit or dress slacks, dress shirt, and tie. Neatly groomed.

Interview questions: it depends. Are you interviewing for pre-op, post-op, intra-op, or pre-admission, or all of the above?

Post-op usually has questions on airway & pain from what I can recall.

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I agree with a suit or nice blouse. I would just prepare for typical behavioral questions. You should be plenty qualified!

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care-Family Medicine.

I work ambulatory care and do the peer to peer interviews for my clinic. My charge nurse has a list of questions that she asks everyone. Most are typical question. Tell me about yourself, strengths, weaknesses, etc. you may be asked if you worked with any special needs kids on med surge and how was it for you. Might be asked if you are comfortable with vaccination schedules. Why are you moving to ambulatory from impatient. Where do you see yourself in 5 years.

For my peer to peers I ask if they are good with computers which if this is a transfer you should already know the EMR if they use the same system. I'll ask what one word describes themselves. How do you handle difficult coworkers or patients. I'm also the preceptor for my clinic so I'll tell them what my day is like and what their training will consist of. My managers only have my do peer to peers on people that they want to offer to so I know if they call me in this person has a good chance.

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It's a specialty clinic that houses physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, it's also a medical clinic for various neurological and spasticity disorders. It's an approved autism evaluation center as well. They host sibling workshops, assist those old enough in obtaining drivers licenses when possible, teach necessary life skills for independence...it's pretty dang awesome.

I have a daughter with Down syndrome which is a huge reason I want this job. I got to go to a benefit dinner for this clinic several years ago and totally fell in love with their mission. I also think my personal background will help me to advocate for patients and families because I have truly "been there". I've also taken care of adults on my current unit with various cognitive and physical disabilities.

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I would be prepared to answer how you can change from adult to pediatric care.

They are vastly different. Be prepared for scenario questions.

Best of luck, let us know how it went.

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Specializes in Infection Prevention, Public Health.
It's a specialty clinic that houses physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, it's also a medical clinic for various neurological and spasticity disorders. It's an approved autism evaluation center as well. They host sibling workshops, assist those old enough in obtaining drivers licenses when possible, teach necessary life skills for independence...it's pretty dang awesome.

I have a daughter with Down syndrome which is a huge reason I want this job. I got to go to a benefit dinner for this clinic several years ago and totally fell in love with their mission. I also think my personal background will help me to advocate for patients and families because I have truly "been there". I've also taken care of adults on my current unit with various cognitive and physical disabilities.

You got my attention when you mentioned your daughter and how you fell in love with this facility and its mission. They can't ask you those personal types of questions, but you can volunteer it through several questions they will ask such as "What interested you in this position?" Sounds like you would be a good fit for the program. Good luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

We have moved this thread to the Ambulatory Care Nursing forum to facilitate more responses. We wish you the best of luck with this potential specialty change!

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Just wanted to update...

I interviewed, got called back for a second interview/shadow opportunity and then found out this week that I got the job! I'm so excited!

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