Doctors Without Borders Interview

alem-tsahai · Jul 20, 2010

Hey there!

I interviewed with them several years ago. I don't remember the interview being that difficult but I do remember it being very very long! They ask a lot of situational questions to assess how well you get along with others in different, more stressful settings. They ask you questions in order to assess your cultural sensitivity, and your temperament in general. They definitely will ask questions related to managing/training others so having charge nurse experience will really help you there (most expat nurse positions are in supervisory roles, not hands on nursing like some people assume).

They will absolutely LOVE you if you speak any french.

I WISH I could remember something more specific but that was almost three years ago! Good luck, I'm sure you will do fine. That is one fine organization to work with and you will make some lifelong friends from all over the world. :)

dg05, RN · Jul 23, 2010

Hello,

Thank you for your response. Were you accepted? Did you ever work for MSF? I think I have a pretty good handle on cultural sensitivity as I've lived and worked among several different cultures. I've also lived and worked with people with widely varying political and religious beliefs and have gotten along fine.

I'm also finished up a two week basic French course so I do know *basic* French.

All I can do now is wait for the interview and keep practicing my French. I was wondering if I should brush up on international policy or current research, etc in my area of specialty. I think I'll do that anyway.

Thanks agan.

DG

alem-tsahai · Jul 30, 2010

I was accepted and went to Haiti. Interesting experience. I think you having L&D experience, plus your basic french knowledge is going to go well for you. Additionally, if you have overseas experience and charge nurse or any type of management experience then you will be a shoe-in.

Don't worry about the international policy and current research too much. MSF tries to be as non-political as possible anyway.

Bonne chance!!! I'm sure you will do fine.

PaulinaRN · Sep 23, 2010

Hey DG,

Just wondering how your interview went? I'm just in the process of applying and would like to do some preparation for the interview as well. I would love to hear more about the whole interview experience. Hope it went well!

Thanks and take care,

Paulina

dg05, RN · Oct 12, 2010

Hello Paulina,

Sorry for the delayed response. I've been out of the country for the last 30 days with a different organization. I had a response about a week or so ago -- more like seven weeks after the interview (their time frame was 4-6 weeks). I was just accepted to information days, which is the last step before you're put into the pool of candidates. Very exciting.

The questions were fairly predictable -- goals, assets, teamwork abilities, etc. It was a good and easy-going conversation.

Best of luck,

dg

PaulinaRN · Oct 13, 2010

Congratulations DG! Very exciting for you! Good luck with everything. Just curious too, which organization were you out of the country with?

Thanks for the response. Have a great day!

Paulina

nurseoutsidethebox · Oct 16, 2010

Hello Paulina,
Sorry for the delayed response. I've been out of the country for the last 30 days with a different organization. I had a response about a week or so ago -- more like seven weeks after the interview (their time frame was 4-6 weeks). I was just accepted to information days, which is the last step before you're put into the pool of candidates. Very exciting.
The questions were fairly predictable -- goals, assets, teamwork abilities, etc. It was a good and easy-going conversation.
Best of luck,
dg

Hey dg!

Im waiting for an MSF assignment and in the mean time and wondering what org you went with for 30 days? thanks

dg05, RN · Oct 18, 2010

Hello, I was with RN Response Network. RNRN Index Page

dg

nursology · May 19, 2011

dg05, I would love to hear more about your experience both with RNRN and Doctors Without Borders. What kind of work did you do? How was the overall experience? Please share if you get a chance.

Field360 · Jun 7, 2011

Hello,

I too have an interview scheduled with MSF in the NY office. Does anyone have any advice on how to prepare for the interview?

I'm assuming that this interview will be unique to most interviews I've had in the past. Does anyone have any advice on the types of questions they ask?

I'm not applying as an RN yet, but rather as an admin until I finish my nursing program. I know the basics, like...freshen up my french skills, international travel, and experience leading/managing others...although if anyone has any additional advice on the type of questions, I'd love the help!

I'm quite nervous. :)

dg05, RN · Jun 21, 2011

Hello Nursology, sorry for the long delay. I was in the field and just arrived home a few days ago. My experience with RN RN was excellent. They're very professional and helpful. It's a totally different experience than MSF though -- MSF is a career (or can be). They are a competitive organization to get into and they expect a lot from their "volunteers" (you are paid a small stipend). You have to come to them with a lot of international and management experience and they consider it a huge asset if you speak French. RN RN was a really cool life experience (sort of like a really interesting vacation where I did a bit of nursing) and I would do it again in a heartbeat, MSF is something I'll likely dedicate my life to because it's an organization I believe in and the work is incredibly rewarding. If you have any other questions feel fre to PM me; I should be in the country for a while now.