First Interview as a RN - Question

Flames9_RN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Sep 6, 2009

hard to say, as many people have their own interview techniques! One one of my interviews they asked:

1)Give me an example where you were in a leadership role and you faced a problem and the outcome wasn't what you expected, and how you dealt with that????

2)Give me an example how you solved a crisis at work?

3) Describe your leadership style and why is it effective

4) of course the usual, ur strengths/weaknesses

I think one area people forget to mentions in the interview is TEACHING!!! As a RN one usually has to teach the patient a fair bit of info, in a short time period! So if you have any kind of "teaching" experience, ensure you mention that, and how it was effective. Good luck on the interview, take ur time answering the question--in other words, engage the brain first, then the mouth,lol Dress nicely, sit up straight,lol be confident in ur replies, and if you don't know the answer, say so!! I would state something like "just as if i'm on the floor, if I don't know the answer, i will find out, i would never put a patient at risk by just guessing!" Something like that,lol Best of luck

tuttle13 · Sep 6, 2009

1. What would you do if your co-worker was not doing their job (ie, letting IVs run dry, not emptying foleys, ignoring the patient's need to be turned etc.)?

2. How are you a team player?

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

4. Have you ever had a "difficult" patient or family member to deal with as a student and how did you handle it?

5. Tell me some positive things your former nursing instructors would say about you?

6. What would you do if you didn't know how to handle a situation during patient care?

Of course I aced all the questions - I even was told that I answered them all exactly the way the interviewer wanted, and I still did not get the job. Good luck.

KolkataMomRN · Sep 6, 2009

Flames9, thank you for sharing some questions and tips. That will give me something to think about, besides my nerves for the next 3 days!!

Tammy

KolkataMomRN · Sep 7, 2009

1.
Of course I aced all the questions - I even was told that I answered them all exactly the way the interviewer wanted, and I still did not get the job. Good luck.

Tuttle13,

Thanks for the questions!! I have been throwing them around in my head today while doing the endless piles of laundry.

So sorry you did not get the job. I am really surprised I was even called given the fact I recently just passed the NCLEX.

Tammy

sameasalways, ASN, RN · Sep 9, 2009

I've had a ton of interviews lately and all the above posters are right. Think about your strengths and weakenesses. Be honest. When you talk about your weaknesses if asked, make sure you talk about how you are dealing iwth them proactively. I always say my weakness is organization, and that as a new nurse it is one of the skills I think I will gain and learn with experience (in a positive way)...don't flip out if your not sure how to answer something. Remember you are new, you aren't expected to have all the experience in the world yet. Use that to show them how good of an attitude you have about change and learning..that "unfortunately I am a new grad and haven't had experience with that yet, but due to _________________ experience or __________ or my ___________ ability to learn in the past and deal with new issues and changes, I feel that this is a challenge I can overcome/experience I look forward to). Remember other jobs or life situations you have had. They ask a lot of experience questions as in "Give us an example of situations you have had to deal with teamwork", "Give us an example of a conflict that occurred in clinical and how you resolved it". "Have you showed up for work and everything that you expected to be was completely changed? How did you deal with that?". If you don't have a clinical experience AND/OR you have a past experience that more clearly demonstrates your positive attribute, don't be afraid to talk about it. When you speak with passion and calm confidence, it shows through. Dress BETTER than what you expect the interviewers will be dressed like! It is a power card, and it gives your confidence an extra boost! It also makes you more memorable to those interviewing you! You put forth the extra effort and you are the one who REALLY wants this job (over the other guyz). Smile Smile Smile, Deep breath.

KolkataMomRN · Sep 9, 2009

I've had a ton of interviews lately
Thanks Tahansen24!! I have been thinking about how to approach all the questions listed above. I am planning on wearing nice black dress pants with a nice, dressy, yet comfortable, blouse. I thought about the suit jacket to go with it, but I tend to get hot easily.
Do you think taking 2 copies of my resume (I'm interviewing with the Clinical Manager and Chief Nursing Officer) in nice report folders a good idea?
I'm testing out the deep breathing techniques today, as my parents decided at the last moment to show up tomorrow from out of state, and I am NOT prepared for company. I can handle surprises as long as it is not my parents showing up unexpectedly........lol.
Tammy