First CNA interview tomorrow!! NEED ADVICE!

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Hi! I just graduated from my nurse's assistant program and have landed my first interview tomorrow afternoon at the LTC where I had part of my clinical rotation. I'm very excited but am also nervous; I've been a full time student for the past three years and before that I was a stay at home mom for two years. Needless to say, it has been a while since I've had a "real" job interview.

Also, I am 16 weeks pregnant, and even though I fully intend on remaining at work after the baby is born, I'm concerned that it will deter employers from hiring me.

So, what kind of questions will I be asked? What should I wear? Any tips for maintaining my confidence?

Thank you for a speedy reply!

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I think you should wear something business-like, perhaps a nice pair of slacks or a nice skirt with a top. Regarding questions,they'll probably ask you things like "why did you decide to apply here" or "why did you choose to go into this particular field". My last interview (for my current job) asked me about my CNA program, what I liked, what I didn't like, etc. Since you mentioned that you did your clinical portion there, they might ask you what did you observe while you were there,what you noticed about the residents, what do you think you could bring to the facility..they might even ask you about what areas do you think they could improve in. And finally, they'll probably ask you questions about your previous jobs. "Tell me a time where you were in a stressful situation" is a question I can remember being asked on every single interview I've ever been on! Regarding your pregnancy- first off congrats! Secondly, I haven't had kids yet so Idk how to go about mentioning that during a job interview, sorry :( But I wish you the best ! And good luck on your interview tomorrow :)

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Specializes in Substance Abuse, Mental Health.

If they don't mention your pregnancy, you don't mention your pregnancy.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Don't tell them you're pregnant. As illegal and crappy as it may be, some (a lot?) of employers won't hire you if they know you'll be going out on maternity leave in a few months. Don't lie about it if they ask you, but don't bring it up. I ran into that kind of discrimination when I was 19 and trying to get a job at a fast food place, of all places. Who CARES if you're pregnant and will be leaving in a few months if you're applying at McD's? Most people leave within a few months anyway.

Rant over. Sorry about that, it's one of my issues. Where business casual clothing (slacks, button down top, nice shoes or a dress). They'll ask you why you want to work as a CNA and it's best to be honest, unless your reason involves money. Don't tell them that. Keep telling yourself that you deserve to be hired.

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Thank you for the advice. I think, though, that I will have to be completely honest about the pregnancy. It's fairly obvious from looking at me, and I need to be clear about my limitations. Perhaps if I make it very clear that I have my practitioners approval to work (and she's a nurse and knows the nature of what I will be doing) and that I WILL be coming back it won't be so much of an issue? I would feel like I'm being dishonest if it were not addressed.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Just take a deep breath, be yourself and think positively. You'll do great! Oh yea and smile :)... Good luck CNAmama!

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Good luck to you, on both the job and the pregnancy! I'm so nervous for my first interview, I've been a SAHM/self-employed small business owner for the past 8 years. I hate when you fill out an app and they only want the last 5-6 years of work experience!!! Honest- I have worked for other people in my lifetime!! LOL!

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Specializes in LTC.

I don't think you'll have much trouble getting hired pregnant. They're used to it.

Where I work we only have 1 guy on 3-11 and 2 guys on 11-7. The rest of us are women, mostly of childbearing age-- someone is constantly pregnant or out on maternity leave.

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what was the interview like? howd it go?

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