Common interview questions??

NeosynephRN · May 17, 2007

Hello!! Congrats on the upcoming graduation! I too am a new grad, so I just went through all this. I was always asked...what are your strengths and weaknesses..How do you handle stress? Why would you make a good nurse on this floor? What was your favorite clinical experience? What is one thing that you have done as a student nurse that changed the course of tx for a patient? How do you handle criticizm(sp??) Have you ever made a mistake or found a mistake that someone else made and what did you do about it? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? These are the ones that I know I was asked a number of times!! Try to relax and do not think that you need to answer right away..take a deep breath and think it through..what seems like an eternity to you..is really only a split second!! The interview I did the best in I sorta made a fool of myself...totally broke the ice..LOL!!! Oh well they offered me the job, so it must have been OK!! Good Luck!!

Snow1278, RN · May 17, 2007

I know when I was interviewing for jobs they all asked hard questions. Ones that I couldn't come up with answers to before I got there, I really had to think on my feet. One question that really got me was, "Tell me about a time when the patient had an unfounded complaint." That was hard for me because to me everyone's complaints are right in their minds so how can I call it unfounded. Another one was, "Tell me what you would do if you didn't trust a co-worker, but had to ask them to do something for you." Those were just a couple of my job interview questions. I guess no real wrong or right answers just be honest. :)

firstyearstudent · May 18, 2007

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/resources/career/center/services.aspx

I found this really helpful. Go to where it says "interview guide" and download the PDF file.

The Complete Guide to Successful Interviewing for Nursing Students and Alumni (from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing)

MrChicagoRN, RN · May 19, 2007

Before hand, write down your 3- 5 strongest skills or procedures. Your weakest.

What's your favorite type of patient? Describe a situation where you feel you really helped a patient.satisfying experience.

Least favorite patient & situation.

Try to turn it from being grilled by the police.."just answer the questions!"

Turn it into a conversation. Talk about that positive experience the same way you would tell a fellow student or instructor.

AND........I happen to LIKE hard interviews. The way I look at it, challenging questions indicate a desire to hire good clinicians. If I'm thrown softball questions, I figure they just want to be sure they hire someone with a pulse and a license. Why would I want to work anywhere they they are lax about who they hire?

You need to get them to like you. Be positive, personable, and optimistic.

But always be real.

texas_lvn · May 19, 2007

Be prepared to ask THEM questions. It shows that you are truely interested in THEM. Take time to find something out about the unit, and use that. I always show up prepared for a peer interview. Take the time to bake some cookies or head to the local bakery. When I do this, I have always been offered the job.

Dont cross your arms. This makes it seem that you are trying to hide something. Be yourself. If you are not yourself, then YOU may not like the outcome.

If you feel like you havent answered the question, like you are mumbling and just want to get something out, simply laugh and say " I am a little intimidated right now. I now that I would make a perfect asset to your unit, and I am just not making that clear. Let me rephrase that".

Its ok to be scared.

I was asked "why should I choose you" "what kind of asset would you make to this unit" and "what would you bring to this floor". All three are pretty much the same question.

Also do a search. There are several links within Allnurses. I know I asked pretty much the same thing almost a year ago.

Good luck.

caballoazul78 · Jun 21, 2007

Be prepared to ask THEM questions. It shows that you are truely interested in THEM. Take time to find something out about the unit, and use that. I always show up prepared for a peer interview. Take the time to bake some cookies or head to the local bakery. When I do this, I have always been offered the job.
Dont cross your arms. This makes it seem that you are trying to hide something. Be yourself. If you are not yourself, then YOU may not like the outcome.
If you feel like you havent answered the question, like you are mumbling and just want to get something out, simply laugh and say " I am a little intimidated right now. I now that I would make a perfect asset to your unit, and I am just not making that clear. Let me rephrase that".
Its ok to be scared.
I was asked "why should I choose you" "what kind of asset would you make to this unit" and "what would you bring to this floor". All three are pretty much the same question.
Also do a search. There are several links within Allnurses. I know I asked pretty much the same thing almost a year ago.
Good luck.

how do you answer the last question properly and strongly?

texas_lvn · Jun 21, 2007

I told them that I am a strong team-member, and that if they didnt believe in teamwork, please dont offer me the job. (this opened their eyes up, and brought smiles to their faces. LOL

I explained that if my co-worker needed help with something, I would be there for them. I would rather stay a few minutes late because I helped someone than to walk out the door on time while my co-worker has to stay over.

paolountalan26 · Dec 16, 2010

Hi,

I am a newly graduate nurse who's about to have an interview at the Cairlion Clinic in Va next week. Do you know what questions will be asked of me??? Anyone here who had an interview with Carilion Clinic. I really want to get the job.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paolo