First phone interview...What should I expect?

[Peeker19]

I will find out tomorrow if I "passed" boards but according to PVT I did...anyway by some miracle I actually have a phone interview on Monday too for an awesome new grad program! I know so much change in so short of time! What can I expect they ask me??? I want to knock them dead since there were over 250 applicants and I was one of the ones that got a phone interview (permenant smile)

Any help would be appreciated, I have never had a phone interview before and I am starting to panic already!

[LAC_SONgrad2009]

I recently had a phone interview, which I wasn't aware was coming and I totally blew it! Anyways, here is what I learned:

1. Know the hospital. Scour their website, mission statement, which units they are known for, etc.

2. They will probably ask you why you want to be a nurse. My answer was "I like helping people" which is the best answer IMO, but I had no backup. Have examples, personal anecdotes, etc.

3. Have an answer with examples to the question "Why should we choose you over other candidates?"

4. Don't forget to breathe and talk slowly.

5. Practice your interview with friends and be open to their feedback.

After my awful phone interview, I vowed never to ruin another chance by being underprepared. I practiced interviewing with several friends and just got hired to work on an adult med/surg unit last week. Good luck!