my FIRST interview!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MsRN247]

I have an appointment for 2 interviews for different positions at different hospitals. If I go to both, and they both want to hire me--I would like to weigh both the pros/cons and decide which position I would like to be hired for--would it leave the potential employer with a bad impression of me? And how do you think I can let them know that I wouldn't want to take the job?

[LoveANurse09]

I don't it would leave a bad impression at all. This is how it used to be before the nursing shortage ran out. Congrats and explore all your options!

[MsRN247]

okay. thanks!

[dura_mater]

IMO, you should come up with a list of questions to ask both places at the end of your interview (most employers will end up the interview with "do you have any questions for me?"). Make sure your questions are relative to what you are looking for, or find important in a job. If phrased/asked appropriately, these questions should not turn off a potential employer, but actually show them that you are not entering into this position lightly.

Posible questions to ask:

Nurse/pt ratio

Precepting with one or many nurses

How many CNAs/LVNs are on the floor

New grad retention rate after 1yr; 2yr

What shift are they hiring for (after precepting is over)

Don't ask about salary, this will come later, when & if you are offered the position

hopefully if you come up with 5-7 good questions, you will be able to comprise a pro/con list & the decission will be apparent.

If you are offered both positions, just respectfully decline the one you don't want, you could say something like: " I want to thank you so much for the opportunity to come work for your organization, but I have found something else that better fits my needs." (No need to go into details)

Good luck!!

[MsRN247]

thank you thank you thank you dura_mater!!! this helps.

[dura_mater]

You're very welcome

:)

and again, good luck!

Keep us posted & let us know how it goes

[MsPdx]

Here's some of the questions I asked during my interviews:

What is the chain of command for this position? To whom will I report?

How will I be evaluated?

Who are your "resource" people? Will you be "buddied" with an experienced RN? How will you learn the ins and outs of hospital politics?

What is the work environment like? Do you spend time with your colleagues outside of work? What kind of team-building activities do you participate in?

How does the administration view nursing in terms of importance to the hospital?

Are nurses allowed to suggest areas for research to improve patient care? If so, are they allowed to design and carry out research projects with other professionals?

What unique challenges has this unit faced over the last year? (i.e. successes, failures, etc.)

What type of support is available on the unit to support nurses, specifically new grads.

Can you describe the opportunities for nurses to continue their education within the hospital system ie continuing education. What professional development opportunities are available to nurses? Educational assistance?

In what ways are nurses held accountable for high qualities of practice?

How much input do nurses have regarding systems, equipment and the care of the environment?