First LPN job interview next week....tips?

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Hey all, I got an interview lined up next week (I was suppose to have it today, but it got canceled because of the weather conditions in BC) So, that gives me an extra week to prepare for this.

The place i'm applying at is at an agency..so they might put me in whatever LTC facility. The people at the agency are real friendly and my friend who is the interviewer's (She's an RN) "favorite" employee has told me that she is a really laid back person, you just gotta have an outgoing personality when you're around her. With that said, do any of you have any tips? I'm quite relaxed about the whole thing even though this is my first real interview.

I have a bunch of questions written down such as:

1. What is the nurse/resident ratio?

2. What are your expectations of the LPN

3. What type of residents/pt will I be dealing with at whatever location you put me in?

4. 24 hour staffing?

5. How many RCA/LPN/RN on the floor?

I already wrote the written exam when I went there a couple weeks ago. Hopefully everything goes well!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

If they are an agency they may not able to answer the questions you have listed. An agency will not be in control of the working conditions/staff ratios at a facility they place you in. There expectations of the LPN will be probably be that you work within your scope of practice.

You may want to anticipate what questions they will ask you instead and have some idea of your answers. Usually they will ask about your goals, strengths and weaknesses and how you handle conflict.They may throw a scenario at you and ask you how you would handle it. They may ask that favorite question of a lot of interviewers "Why do you want to work for us?"

I would also ignore your friend telling you that you "have" to be outgoing around this person. What the heck does that mean? If you are not normally outgoing it will come across as forced and fake. Does that mean every time you were with this person you would have to "put it on"? Just be yourself. Being outgoing is in no way a must for getting a job.Good luck and let us know how it goes.

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If they are an agency they may not able to answer the questions you have listed. An agency will not be in control of the working conditions/staff ratios at a facility they place you in. There expectations of the LPN will be probably be that you work within your scope of practice.

You may want to anticipate what questions they will ask you instead and have some idea of your answers. Usually they will ask about your goals, strengths and weaknesses and how you handle conflict.They may throw a scenario at you and ask you how you would handle it. They may ask that favorite question of a lot of interviewers "Why do you want to work for us?"

I would also ignore your friend telling you that you "have" to be outgoing around this person. What the heck does that mean? If you are not normally outgoing it will come across as forced and fake. Does that mean every time you were with this person you would have to "put it on"? Just be yourself. Being outgoing is in no way a must for getting a job.Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Hey thanks for the tips!

You're right..I might have to revise my questions a bit. My friend just said that because.. I guess I wouldnt want to go in all timid and stuff.. but anyways, i'll let you know how it goes. Do you got any good questions I can ask her?

Thanks again!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I would ask about scheduling,pay, holidays,sick call in policies,orientation and support and how do they deal with problems.

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^^ Awesome, I can't wait!!!

I've been informed that there are 4 other people that will be interviewed..I just hope that there isn't 1 vacancy.

If any of you have any tips please contribute! This is some good stuff

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

Be prepared to answer scenario based questions. Questions that deal with what sequence of evnets you would take as a team leader in LTC. Or how to deal with a care aid who isn't doing their job.

Or a very short and to the point type question like "Your 80 year-old resident's daughter informs you that her father is short of breath. What do you do?"

Or you just noticed you made a med error and gave a Tylenol #3 to a resident and it's not ordered for them. What do you do?

Interviewers can be big on scenario based questions. It shows that you have critical thinking skills and are quick to act in an urgent situation.

Be prepared to answer why you want to work in LTC. The job market is very tough right now and even if LTC isn't your first choice, it's your best chance right now. Have prepared and sincere answers as to why you want to work with the elderly and how you will make a positive impact on their lives.

Have you submitted reference letters? If not, have 2-3 flawless letters, personally addressed to this interviewer with you in a file folder. Hand them to her as you shake her hand and tell her what they are. She may read them right away or save them for later. But that could give you an edge over other candidates. Even if you have given her reference letters, try to get 1 or 2 more. From college instructors, previous employers, your nurse preceptor.

Best of luck!

:nurse:

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^ Thank you!

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I've never submitted reference letters. I usually just take along a typed list of my references and contact numbers.

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