Interviewing for an ER Tech job & have questions

[prissy pixie]

Hello all! :monkeydance:

I've been reading through many of the old threads in this section of the forum but I was wondering if I could get some feedback about my situation.

The nursing dept at my school requires that applicants take the CNA or PCT course before applying so I chose the PCT class and am doing well and due to finish by May 5th.

I've decided to work as a PCT FT this summer and stay on PT in the fall to gain experience. I have an interview for an ER Tech position, in a level 1 trauma center, next wk. I want to be an ER nurse after I get out of school so I figured this would be a good start for me.

Okay...I obsessively want this job!! LOL!!

There are several students in my class that have stated they want to work in the ER as a tech as well. Here's my problem:

I'm an older student with no choice but to work. 3 kids and disabled husband. The other students, interested in this position, are the beautiful, young, blonde and tan girls that are easily noticed and remembered. I want to stand out and make a good impression for my interview.

I went out and bought a nice outfit for the interview and know to keep make-up, jewelry, perfume and nails to a minimum and professional.

Greet and end with a smile and handshake and follow with a thank you note.

I think what I need to feel secure going into the interview are possible questions that I will be asked for the tech position not an RN and questions I may ask specifically for this position as well.

I figured since many of you work with ER techs you may have some idea of what I may be asked.

Thank you in advance~

[SDSU1205]

I worked as an ER when I was in nursing school and on my interview the main questions was WHY? Why do you want to be an ER tech. You might want to point out that you are a parent,but don't make it seem like having a family would keep you from working or cause you to call-in alot. Let them know your interest in being an ER Nurse and also that you feel the experience in the ER would provide you with a great learning environment. I currently don't work in the ER, I work in L&D. I really didn't like the flow of the ER, but it may be for you. GOOD LUCK. Just be yourself and don't worry about those younger girls. :monkeydance:

[prissy pixie]

I thought of that and am lucky that I can honestly tell them that my husband is a stay at home dad so it should not be an issue.

Any suggestions on questions I may ask them? I am curious as to whether or not techs can participate in the PALS and ACLS classes. I do plan on enquiring about that....anything else?

[SDSU1205]

Ask them what your specific duties will be so you will know if working there will be a great experience or a paid clinical (if you know what I mean). Also I think it depends on the hospital as to your participation in ACLS. Most likely if they offer it you can take the class. When I went on my interview they were so hard up for someone to work that it really didn't matter what I asked.

[Jedi_Iatros]

Alot of California hospitals require that you be ortho casting or EMT certified. As for ACLS, military medical personel should have no problems getting that via RTS-MED. I don't know why an ER/ED tech would need that? It's not like you're going to difibrilate or give Epi/Atropine/Amiodarone with pulseless electrical rhytms.