California's 2011 New Grad Program

Mrs Badcrumble, RN · Jun 30, 2011

Anyone put in for the ER? I pretty much wrote off Northridge when I didn't hear anything, but shoot, it's almost July and they're still interviewing? Oh, and who among you who have gotten called are BSN's? And I'm with dienne. There are spots for us all, chin up!

Priomo RN · Jun 30, 2011

They want bsn onlu because they are going magnet this year and thats a requirement

labelledame · Jun 30, 2011

For those who interviewed with Northridge hospital, how long does it take after the interview to get an offer?

Thanks.

Priomo RN · Jun 30, 2011

you can ask the interviewers at the end of the interview. they will tell you. it depends on how many interviews are left for that unit. for mine it was only 4 candidates for 1 position.

dienne · Jun 30, 2011

What unit did you interview for? Did they offer you the job on the spot?

I just completed my battery test, I don't particularly like those kind of questions so let's see if they call me for an interview.....

Did they give you an option as far as scheduling your interview? The person I talked to on the phone told me that if I pass the tests they want to bring me for an interview next week, but I won't be available until Thursday. Wondering if they're flexible with that......

Btw thank you for the information and congratulations on the job offer!!!!!

you can ask the interviewers at the end of the interview. they will tell you. it depends on how many interviews are left for that unit. for mine it was only 4 candidates for 1 position.

Priomo RN · Jun 30, 2011

no they didnt offer the job on the spot. they said they had to interview all their selected candidates. They did ask if I was available for the day of my interview or if I wanted to change it, but I was, so I just took whatever day they ask me to go.

I forgot to say that for them is very important that you dont live too far away ....so may be you can say you just "relocated" (wink wink) to the area :)

Also, dont forget to shape your answers for their mision and vision....in other words, dont forget that they are called CATHOLIC Healthcare West Northridge Hospital Medical Center :)

dienne · Jun 30, 2011

Thanks for all the info!!!!!!

I don't live too far away, I live in Culver City so that shouldn't be a problem.

The thing is that I just started a job in San Diego and I work Monday/Tuesday/Wed......

They haven't called me to schedule the interview yet.......maybe they didn't like my answers hehe......

Just wondering how many positions they have left........

Priomo RN · Jun 30, 2011

that, I do not know....i found out about the number of spots during my interview. You can always call the recruiter... she is nice and will let you know if you were chosen for an interview.

dienne · Jul 1, 2011

Just got the call from Northridge for an interview next Friday for my top choice unit (cardiovascular)!!!!!

You said that they required a BSN but I don't have one (I have an ADN and a bachelor in another field), I hope they won't hold that against me :crying2: .

How many people are on the panel? And you said they don't ask any clinical questions specific to the unit you're interviewing for right? Just general behavioral questions?

Sorry for all the questions I'm asking, I would love to get into the program, since right now my commute is 2 hours long!!!!!!!

Priomo RN · Jul 1, 2011

hi. congratulations on your interview :). No, they dont ask unit-specific questions. as i said before be ready for this firt two key questions:

- tell me about yourself, i used this website to prepare: http://www.theladders.com/career-advice/how-to-answer-tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

- why did you choose this unit

for mine it was the Residency program director (her business card was in the application package) and the unit director/manager and the HR person who only listened and never spoke.

they sit u in a conference room and start asking the questions. then they ask you if you have any questions. dont forget to ask them questions (because they want to make sure you are comfortable showing that you dont mind asking for answers).

They write all over the place during your answers and barely look at you.

Dont forget not to wear perfume or nail polish (bc you are a NURSE! ). And you have to actually DRESS UP! (i did, and believe it or not, it can be the only difference between you and another candidate)

Never say "i dont know" or "it never happened to me" or "what would you like to know".

I aksed them what were my chances....and of course they said that they didnt know until they interviewed the rest, but that allowed me to open the door to ask them how many more candidate were there and by when i will know for sure.

good luck. (and if your resume has changed since you submitted it, bring an updated copy)

I dont know how they would feel about you been working already (becuase is for UNEXPERIENCED and NEW grads), so it might be better not to mention it (just my personal opinion)...but who knows....

once again, good luck :)

Priomo RN · Jul 1, 2011

p.s. sorry about my grammar and spelling but i was on my phone.

dienne · Jul 1, 2011

Thank you so much for taking the time to write all that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really appreciate it! you've been very helpful. I will do my homework and try to be ready for all the questions they may ask me.

I just started working on a telemetry floor this week, so I only have 1 week experience hehe......but I won't mention it just in case!

Thanks again!

p.s. sorry about my grammar and spelling but i was on my phone.