New Grad & the CMICU

Specialties CCU

Published

Hello everyone!

I am a new graduate and have recently been asked to interview for a Cardiac Medical Intensive Care Unit. I was hoping someone could send some good advice my way as I am starting to get nervous and I don't want to mess up this opportunity.

First and foremost, the interview! I am terribly nervous they will ask technical questions and give scenarios. What is the best response if I truly don't know the answer? I just don't want it to be like a test question where I am focusing on one aspect and missing the priority.

Secondly, has anyone started on a CMICU as a new grad? How did it go? Any tips for adapting to the environment?

I am hoping for the best. Any advice is more than appreciated.

Thanks,

Eliza

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

sorry i double posted? how, this is a great opportunity, with adequate orrientation

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

it was my first job directly after graduation, but i had an interest and was able to spend three weeks in clinical leadership rotation in the unit.....if you dont know, respond that is something i would like to learn......unfortunately nursing education today does not have the clinical task focus of decades ago, and you will continue to learn, you have what it takes, you graduated trhis job will be a bit of like a little more school, but geck after 42yrs., i am stilk learning....that is the fun part......congratulations, us oke fossils need a break :)

i hope you get the chance for this job.

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Thank you Sallyrnrrt! My interview is on Friday. In the mean time I am brushing up on a few items. They may never ask the questions, but it help my nerves. I hope I get to the unit and love it. Will definitely post an update. Thank you for your response.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I wouldn't be to worried about answering technical or clinical scenario questions. If you don't know a the answer to a question then concede that you don't know it, don't try and BS you way thru it. The best thing you can do is be yourself. Trying to act like you have all this book smarts because you just graduated school will make you look like it a know-it-all. And no body likes a know-it-all and plus those who think they know everything tend to be the most dangerous. Be yourself, you can't go wrong there.

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If you're having trouble with a scenario question, go to ABCs, patient safety and privacy... Those will cover most scenarios.

Also, if you need to reason something out, talk it out so that they can hear your reasoning.

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Thank you for the advice. I do find that when I work the issue out aloud, the answer comes a little easier. I will be sure to use this on Friday, including trying to just be me (thanks Da_Milk :up:)

I am not a nervous person normally, but at this point Friday cannot come fast enough! Thanks again.

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I checked the status of my application and it simply stated "Hired". I am waiting for HR to contact me. Thank you guys for your input.

Eliza

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