Anyone ever felt like they screwed up an interview?

[AFwife727, BSN, RN]

Had an interview this morning for a SNF. The lady who interviewed me was the ADON, very nice and understanding that I'm a new grad who is trying to get someone to give me a chance. She knows her stuff. Asked me some clinical questions, which I feel like I totally bombed. It has been 1 yr since I graduated nursing school. I told her I'd give insulin to a pt who's glucose was 50 (this was part of a scenario). Afterwards, I couldn't believe I actually said that!! I voiced that. She also asked me a question about a pt fall and what I'd do. I totally bypassed assessing the pt first and not moving the pt in case the pt could've had a fracture from the fall. I said I would stay with the pt, call for help, and then help the pt up to the bed to sit. D'oh! I'm mortified and afraid that this will affect their decision. I was nervous and it has been awhile since I've had to practice nursing judgement. Plus I'm a new grad and haven't had that actual nursing experience. Ugh. I want the job because she was enthusiastic about it being an opportunity to learn, which is what I need. She seemed supportive of the fact that I'm a new nurse, everyone is in the beginning, and to not be afraid to ask questions, etc.

I did hand a handwritten note to the receptionist addressed to the interviewer after the interview. The DON now has to review my stuff (cover letter, resume, recommendation letters). We'll see what happens...

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

If it was me i would call her and say that I realized I gave bad answers under pressure and tell her what you would do now that you have thought it through. Can't hurt to try!

[AFwife727, BSN, RN]

Thing is, we/she discussed the correct procedures at that time, after my answers. She really wanted to give me a chance to voice my thought process... so it wouldn't be appropriate to call back and tell her I decided my answers were wrong. Boo. Im upset. I want and need a job badly and even though it's a night shift position, I want it. It is so hard when you want something so badly but feel like you might have ruined your only chance :-( I just want to finally be a nurse and learn so that I can be an even better nurse as a result of the experience I gain!

[amoLucia]

You may still have a chance as the ADON may give you the benefit of the doubt and acknowledge your interview stress level. And as you say, she recognizes your new-nurse status.

But in her recognizing your inexperience, she may have to go with another nurse applicant that has experience. Perhaps, there may be a chance that you could be hired on probation, but on nite shift, there's limited support when questions arise.

It's an issue of patient safety - bottom line. Not a negative reflection on you personally.

Good luck.

[AFwife727, BSN, RN]

This is why I need to get into an RN residency program. The mentorship and training that is provided is most likely what I need as a new nurse. It's a shame that these programs are so competitive. They really try to pick their perfect candidates, I think. It's been tough.