First "Nursing" interview- not sure what to make of it?

[nurseypoo87]

So today I went for my first new grad interview- after about 3-4 months of applying/stressing/applying

The night before... my nerves were through the roof. I roleplayed, researched and tried my hardest to remain positive.

So, I go into the interview and it was really laid back. The 2 interviewers were really bubbly and down to earth.

I stutter- so I gave them a heads up. They were open to it and mentioned the Kings Speech. So it started off well.

The first question was "Why do you want to work here?" I gave them a short honest blurb. Pulling some points from their vaules and mission statement.

There were a few questions where I know maybe I could have elaborated a bit more and one time where she even tried to pull a little more out of me... so I went off her hint and explained a bit more.

She lastly asked me- do I have any questions. I asked about 3 (about orientation, patient:nurse ratio, and when would one expect to hear something back).

She said I asked good questions.

They have others to interview So in 2 weeks the successful applicants I guess get a call.

In the meantime I'm going to send a thank you card tomorrow.

I'm really hoping with everything in me that I get one of the positions- their new grad program and orientation are amazing. I'm just going to try to stay hopeful and positive... everything in God's hands!!

I want this so bad... it would be perfect!!! I'll be crushed if I don't get it... but I'll still keep applying

ps. When I was called for the interview they never mentioned anything about references, but I brought references in case. They never asked for them- I'm trying not to overthink this... but looks like I already have :smackingf

I keep rethinking my answers and everything ahhhhhh

I guess if it's meant to be- it will be

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Sounds promising.

Remember, the thank you note also serves to reintroduce you to the employer, and allows you to remind them of your strengths

Many places don't ask for for references until it's close to the end, so don't sweat it, but it's great you came prepared.

Good luck.

[NurseHopefulInOH]

Sounds like you did great! don't beat yourself up if you don't get it you don't know what they are looking for and they might already have someone in mind and of course they could always go for someone with more experience which is def not your fault. You did your homework and I hope it pays off for you! Good luck

[FirstLadyNurse]

Praying u are chosen!

[giavanna]

Hi nurseypoo87,

I just want to know if you got the job? Sounds like you really did great.

[karen flink]

As a manager who hires, it sounds as if you came well prepared. I do take references if offered, but do not necessarily ask for them as HR handles that part of the interviewing at my facility. When you are interviewing, develop your "30 second elevator speech". What is it that will set you apart from all the other applicants. So answers such as "this is a great place to work" or "I liked my nursing rotation here" is what I hear from all applicants. Instead (as you did) tell them how well you will perform and include the core values, or if you are applying to a faith based hospital, tell them how you will incorporate this into your nursing work. If you have a second language, if you have provided community service in your past and it ties to their own, include this. Tell them how you will incorporate the culture of safety ideals, quality objectives and critical thinking tools into your practice. Have examples of how you have exceeded customer service in your student nursing rotations, and bring copies of thank you notes if you received them. If you get critical thinking scenario questions, do not panic. If you hesitate or get upset, this is a test of how well you will work in a crisis mode (which most of us do throughout our shifts at times) Go back to the basics of using chain of command, telling them that there is always a charge nurse, a crisis nurse, a peer, an educator you could call on for assistance and that you would delegate certain things to others based on what it is they asked you about. Don't be afraid to go introduce yourself to managers on floors where you might want to work in the future. I have ONLY hired internal candidates or those who have taken the time to knock on my door in the past two years. These are the folks who have had the courage to take a little time out of their days to be brave and willing...Good luck as you move forward in your nursing career...it's been 30 years plus 11 as a junior volunteer so I am working on my 42 year in nursing-haha...be patient as well as many coast to coast are taking more time to be hired. At whatever job you hold at the present, take as much of the customer service pieces, role responsibilities and use them to your advantage in explaining what you are doing as you are waiting to get hired as a nurse.

[RNtobeinSoCal]

Karen Fink, this is great information! How does someone with no direct connections to nurses/HR people in the region she wants to work in go about knocking on doors, so to speak? Any advice you have would be very much appreciated. Thanks!