First nursing interview in Psych!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Apr 5, 2014

I also have a psych Lvn position interview next week! I hope someone can post to tell us what kinds of traits people are looking for in a good psych nurse!

Ally082 · Apr 7, 2014

I also have a passion for wanting to work in psych when I get out of school. I worked in a psych hospital as a pharmacy tech many years ago and it's the right fit for me.

I've looked at other threads about interviews and the one reoccurring point people make is to convey your passion for that specialty to the hiring manager. Make sure you can tell them why you want to work there. Do as much research ahead of time about their facility to help you answer the why you want to work there question.

Hoping to read more comments on this as well, from others interview experiences. I will add anything else I find. Good luck!

PG2018 · Apr 7, 2014

I went to a psych interview on 3/28 that I declined. It seemed like a toxic work environment. I have another this Friday. That said, my interviewer did the typical "tell me about yourself" deal that all of us are keenly aware of so always be ready to talk about yourself. I gather you should also show interest specifically in psych rather than just in that facility or merely that you need a job. Questions I was asked, although very generalized, pertained to how I would switch from a caring, empathetic role to a directive, stern role if the need be as well as how I would handle chaotic environments and so forth. I posted similar questions about this before, but really I just didn't know what psych nurses did. I've interviewed many, many people and hired several as well. Always think of a way to make yourself stand out, dress professionally (not scrubs), and have questions ready to ask your interviewer. Also, read up about the facility - whatever is on their website.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Apr 8, 2014

Thank you, psych guy! Tomorrow's my interview!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Apr 8, 2014

In case anyone else wants psych interview tips.... They asked me situational questions r/t psych.

They also asked me about common meds, which PRNs I'd expect to be ordered when the client has certain symptoms...depakote, Ativan, seroquel and about 7 others.

coronar · Apr 9, 2014

In case anyone else wants psych interview tips.... They asked me situational questions r/t psych. They also asked me about common meds which PRNs I'd expect to be ordered when the client has certain symptoms...depakote, Ativan, seroquel and about 7 others.[/quote']
Which other 7 meds do they routinely ask about? Thanks! I'm still waiting for my call.

PG2018 · Apr 10, 2014

I didn't get a single question about medications at my psych interview.

Michael_Espelin, MSN, APRN · Apr 11, 2014

I didn't get any questions specifically asking about meds either. The key questions I was asked were:

Tell me about yourself

Why nursing?

Why Psych?

Why NOT social work?

Talk about any previous experience in psych

What would you do to prevent a problem from happening or escalating in psych?

Those were the biggies. Be ready to talk specifically about you and why you are interested in psych, and sound exciting and enthusiastic. To me, that's the most important part--to convince them you're really excited about the job.

EatYourVeggies · Apr 11, 2014

Thanks for all the replies! I just accepted a float position at a psych hospital for children through young adults and I am super excited to start my career!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 12, 2014

Thanks for all the replies! I just accepted a float position at a psych hospital for children through young adults and I am super excited to start my career!

Congratulations and welcome to the Dark Side :)

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Apr 13, 2014

I was also hired at a psych inpatient facility. . On call! I'm on my second day. It's been...interesting.