Failed med surg pre employment test

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Mar 24, 2015

I've been a nurse for 3 years. Today I went for an interview at a home health agency in PA. I had all of my required paperwork with me, just knowing I'd leave with at least one assignment. The first step was to take a 30 question med surg test. Well after taking the test the receptionist (who was talking extremely loud on the phone a few feet from me during the test) told me I failed and that I could come back in 6 months and take it again. What I don't understand is why they place so much importance on a test, that had questions I hadn't seen since nursing school, when I've been working as a nurse for 3 years. This really bummed me out since I know I can do the job and do it well. Has anyone else had an experience like this???

I've seen nurses with years of experience who have no apparent clue what's going on. Maybe they've had some bad experiences that they're trying to avoid in the future.

Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2015

I've been a nurse for 3 years. Today I went for an interview at a home health agency in PA. I had all of my required paperwork with me, just knowing I'd leave with at least one assignment. The first step was to take a 30 question med surg test. Well after taking the test the receptionist (who was talking extremely loud on the phone a few feet from me during the test) told me I failed and that I could come back in 6 months and take it again. What I don't understand is why they place so much importance on a test, that had questions I hadn't seen since nursing school, when I've been working as a nurse for 3 years. This really bummed me out since I know I can do the job and do it well. Has anyone else had an experience like this???

Agree with PP. Were the questions relevant to the job? Were they things you'll need to know especially as it's a home health post and you won't have a floor full of colleagues for support/advice? If these things are true, then - that's why they place so much importance on the test.

Libby1987 · Mar 24, 2015

I've been a career HH nurse, I'm very curious to the nature of these questions. Pretty bad if I couldn't pass..

morte, LPN, LVN · Mar 24, 2015

i can remember one agency i tested for, that at least one question was wrong....i would be interested in going over the test with some other than the receptionist.

caliotter3 · Mar 24, 2015

Applicants are usually given an immediate retest, with or without "hints". In one case, the test was taken, checked to see that answers were entered and the name was on the test, and placed in the employee's new personnel folder without further comment. Waiting six months for a retake? That tells me the agency does not need new employees. Of course, by that time you should be working elsewhere.

cdsavannah59, CNA · Mar 24, 2015

Did you ask to see the results of the test? Also after being informed you didn't pass the test I myself would of told the receptionist that in the future to be more respectful to those that are taking a test by either talking lower on the phone or giving me a area that was more quiet. Don't worry about not getting that job, many others are willing to hire you.

JustMeRN · Mar 25, 2015

As a new home health nurse I would be curious about the questions as well. My interview was basically a big verbal test. And honestly, you need to know your stuff when you are out there on your own. I'm seeing stuff in the home that I didn't see in 12 years of medsurg, and things I learned about in nursing school but thought little of since.

Libby1987 · Mar 25, 2015

As a new home health nurse I would be curious about the questions as well. My interview was basically a big verbal test. And honestly, you need to know your stuff when you are out there on your own. I'm seeing stuff in the home that I didn't see in 12 years of medsurg, and things I learned about in nursing school but thought little of since.

Were the questions relevant to the scope of nursing in home health?