Future grad w/questions about job interview process...r/o please

Tbrodeur · Jan 8, 2004

Jetta1-

Let me begin by stating that I am a Healthcare Recruiter. Normally our kind are not welcome on a BB. I am not here to push any of my positions. Instead, I would like to learn a bit more about the life of an RN.

-just wanted to clear the air -

AH the interview process. A scary but wonderful problem to have.

First and foremost be yourself. Your joining a team that will rely on you. This team should fit your personality. Sure it is a good idea to do your home work i.e. check out the website and scribble down a few questions to ask. However, a good interview should outline everything- leaving nothing to ask. But asking a few questions is a great way to convey interest in the team/position.

Avoid questions concerning $. if they bring it up then thats the time to talk about it. If working with an agent- let us worry about getting you the xtra $1 per hour or what have you.

Professional dress- wearing scrubs and sneakers might be the garb when on duty - but you ain't got the job yet. This happens to me all the time- and the applicant quickly looses the job. I feel funny reminding people of this.

when in doubt ask a probing question about the orientation or if there is the opportunity for OT and how that operates. Perhaps ask about the hospital in general- retention rates- profitability- parking.

Finally remember your a commodity- the world needs more RN's. So you can walk in with the understanding that, in most cases, they need you. let this subtle notion build your confidence a bit, relax and just be you.

Speculating · Jan 8, 2004

Originally posted by jetta1
Hi everyone! I'm going to be graduating in a couple of months and was wondering if anyone has any tips or advice during the interview? For instance, what kind of questions do they ask you and what are some questions that I need to ask them?

I already know I'm going to inquire about the nurse to patient ratio. I also want to find out about their insurance coverage and pay but I'm not quite sure how to word some of these questions. Any help would be greatly appreciated!:)

PTO's and vacation time? How do they select who works holidays?

401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan? Do they match contributions, how much do they match and up to how much a year? What financial service runs the plan? As far as selections mutual funds...how many selections are afforded you?

You might ask a manager how they would best describe their management style.

Then go into the hard questions

What's the organizations mission? They love this one

I know there is some turnover in every job. Could you tell me about what percentage of the people you hired in the last three years remain with the hospital?

Is there a job description and may I see one?

Is there anything more about me that you need to know that we haven't had a chance yet to discuss?

It has been my pleasure meeting with you today. Based on what we have discussed, do you anticipate offering me a position?

Make them think they all ready hired you with this one. What is the timetable for filling the spot? When would you need me to start?

I've been looking for a new job myself lately so I've been doing my research - Mr. Recruiter are you still there?

with some assistance of resumemaker2001

Tbrodeur · Jan 9, 2004

Speculating-

I love this one- "What's the organizations mission?"

Rn managers must quiver when you lay that one on em!

Yes- Still here and would love to help anyone out.

This may be a fauxpas for a BB but I will give you a work email- If you would like to explore some options shoot me a line and we could exchange contact info off line. [email protected]

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 9, 2004

I am someone with a lot of experience on the other side. I have interviewed and hired (or not hired) many people over the last 20 years. Here are my thoughts on the topic:

1. Look and act professional, but approachable and friendly. What you wear, how you behave, etc. does count -- so, don't do or say anything extreme.

2. The focus of the interview should be on the work itself -- not the money or scheduling. While compensation and scheduling are appropriate to discuss, they should not be the primary focus of the interview. Think about this for a moment:

A good employer cares about her patients and wants to hire someone who will provide good care for them. She also wants to hire someone who WANTS to do the type of work she is trying to hire someone to do. That is what you should convey in your interview most of all -- that you are a person who wants to do the type of work that needs to be done ... and that you are capable of doing it. That focus needs to stay front and center.

A good employer will also care about her employees and will want to have fair and reasonable compensation, scheduling practices, etc. Such and employer will repond freely to general questions about these things and not be uncomfortable discussing them. So ask those questions, too ... but don't give the impression that you care more about them than in doing the job well.

I like to hear questions about the patients, the common diagnoses, common patient needs, the kinds of services provided by the hospital to meet those needs, etc. For example, I work for a children's hospital. I am impressed when candidates ask about things like play therapy, our relationships with the local school systems, pain management in children, sibling programs, etc. Such questions indicate that the candidate has given some thought to the needs of the pediatric population.

I also notice how people react during the tour of the unit. Do they shrink back in horror at the sight of some of our sickest patients? Do they think the kids are cute? Do they smile at appropriate moments? Do they seem overwhelmed by the technology? etc.

If the only interest you show is in the money, your schedule, and all the things the hospital is going to give you (e.g. benefits, etc.) people may think that is all you care about. Yes, some people will hire you anyway. But a good boss in a good setting will want want to see some interest in the patients. A surprising number of interview candidates don't seem to recognize that.

Good luck,

llg

fergus51 · Jan 9, 2004

I have always either found out about salary on my own before the interview (via websites or word of mouth) or waited to ask until I was offered the job. If they seem iffy in discussing it once they have offered you an position, they are icky and you should move on. I find it absolutely odd that a manager would even think I would take a job not knowing what the wage is.... My most important question is "What do you think the staff nurses would say are the best and worst aspects of working on the unit?". (Or you can say "most challenging" if you want to be a bit more diplomatic).

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 9, 2004

I like to ask (both as a job candidate myself and as an interviewer) somthing like ..

How would you describe a great nurse? or What characteristics do you value most in a nurse?

along with ...

What characteristics would cause you to describe someone as a bad nurse?

llg

jetta1 · Jan 9, 2004

Wow! I've received tons of helpful advice! This is all very new to me and I really appreciate all the information you have shared.:) I just found out that there will be a nursing job fair next week and I will definitely try to keep all this in mind. You all have brought up some very good points! Now I need to work on my resume!:\

zambezi, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2004

I agree with asking questions. As a new grad, I asked about what kind of orientation and support system I could expect plus many of the questions that llg posed. I was asked by the manager what my "favorite" part of the mission statement was and why I liked it, how would I play it out in my career. I was asked what I did to relieve stress in my spare time, I was asked what the nursing process was and given a scenario in which I had to use the process to determine what I would do, etc. I was also asked what I would do if there was a staff member or doctor that I did not agree with or had a personality conflict with. There were all kind of questions. I just tried to be myself and was confident in my abilities. You will do fine! Good luck.

Agnus · Jan 9, 2004

Interviews today generally follow some rather basic questions. Get a book on resumes as these usually have some typical interview questions.

Things like what is one of your weaknesses? Word it so it sounds like a strength. For example: I tend to be a perfectionist.

A good answer for you to this might be: I am a new grad so I do not have as much experience as some. However, every thing from school is still fresh in my mind. I have not had the time to forget and what I have learned is the latest view on any one item.

What is your strongest asset?

You will likely face situational questions like: How would you handle a difficult.situation with a co worker, a patient or family member etc.

How do you handle interpersonal conflicts.

Think ahead about the answers you will give.

You will likely have an oportunity to answer: Tell me about yourself. With this answer have it planned and reheorificed.

Tell them what brought you to nursing, what experience you have by means of related jobs, externships ect. Tell them what you enjoyed most in school what you excelled in etc. Give your perosonal philosophy on nursing etc. Tell them why you want to work for this particular employer in this particular area of nursing.

They will likely ask in some form what motivates you. That is what gets you excited.

They will probably ask what you are looking for in a job enviorment. What plans you have for professional and personal growth.

There are may ways these questions may be presented but they generally are all looking for a person who desires growth, can be counted on and is helpful to coworkers, who is diplomatic, who put their best forward. Who will support the facility and it's interest. Who can demonstrate that they can settle difference on thier own without asking a supervisor to settle a dispute every time one comes up. Who is respectful of others. Who has initiative. and flexibility.

If you can find ways to illistrate the above you will do fine. They expect (and some time specify you give) examples in your answers. For example, tell me about a time you handled another person's anger.

You may be asked about specific skills. If you did not learn it don't lie. If you are weak in some skills don't lie. Also don't panic as this is generally not a requirement for you to start. They are just trying to get a picture where they need to focus your initial training.

As for questions you ask: Ask about growth oportunities, Ask about staffing, ask about anyting that is important to you.

YOu can call ahead to HR and find out thier pay scale for new grads. In any case if you receive a job offer they will tell you what they will pay then and you can negotiate, accept or decline at that time.

Do not accept any job without this information. I have received offers and they presumed I was accepting yet $$ and benies were never discussed. Don't let this happen. Money is not a bad word. Just don't you be the one to bring it up in the interview. Ask discreetly ahead with a call to HR or waite until you get the offer.

Your best bet is to make the call so you know the range. They will not give you a range with the offer only a single figure.