1st RN Interview-ER

Nurses General Nursing

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Today I had my very first interview as a RN. It was in the ER. Does anybody else feel like they blew it on their interviews? Never at any time did I think I had it in the bag (HA!) During the interview the director conducting it would talk to me as if I had the job, but I never let it get to my head. Then at the end she states "you know we are interviewing other nurses, why should we choose you over the others?" It was a totally valid question, I just feel like I blew it. AAAGGGGH!!!:banghead: During the interview the 3 nurses seemed impressed with some of my answers and we even laughed a couple of times. I just feel like I could have done better, maybe I'm just being hard on myself. They asked me general questions like:

What was the most challenging position you have been in ?

Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs?Your strengths? Your weaknesses?

Person comes in with CP what do you do?

Why should we hire you?

If I contacted your previous employer, what would he tell me about you?

What makes you want to work at this hospital?

Then she opened up the floor to me, so I could ask questions...which I asked like 5.....they seemed pretty impressed that I had questions. I won't find out til the end of next week whether I have a job or not. This is going to just as horrible as waiting to see if I passed the boards. Anybody have advice, words of encouragement, a similar story? I said alot of positive things about myself and they smiled alot at me and were very nice.....I just don't know what to make of it.

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Today I had my very first interview as a RN. It was in the ER. Does anybody else feel like they blew it on their interviews? Never at any time did I think I had it in the bag (HA!) During the interview the director conducting it would talk to me as if I had the job, but I never let it get to my head. Then at the end she states "you know we are interviewing other nurses, why should we choose you over the others?" It was a totally valid question, I just feel like I blew it. AAAGGGGH!!!:banghead: During the interview the 3 nurses seemed impressed with some of my answers and we even laughed a couple of times. I just feel like I could have done better, maybe I'm just being hard on myself. They asked me general questions like:

What was the most challenging position you have been in ?

Where do you see yourself in 5 yrs?Your strengths? Your weaknesses?

Person comes in with CP what do you do?

Why should we hire you?

If I contacted your previous employer, what would he tell me about you?

What makes you want to work at this hospital?

Then she opened up the floor to me, so I could ask questions...which I asked like 5.....they seemed pretty impressed that I had questions. I won't find out til the end of next week whether I have a job or not. This is going to just as horrible as waiting to see if I passed the boards. Anybody have advice, words of encouragement, a similar story? I said alot of positive things about myself and they smiled alot at me and were very nice.....I just don't know what to make of it.

Keep Positive and answer honestly, they will see that. I Interview all the time and I have questions I ask, There is no right or wrong answer. when they interview they only have a short time to get to know you to be able to know that you will be a good fit with the other team members. If your a new RN they know that. I'm sure you did a good job. I hope you get the job.

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I am so trying to keep positive. Thank you for your kinds words. I just finished writing my thank you note so she'll get it either Thurs or Friday. I hope I get the job too. ER is where my heart is at.

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Specializes in ER, MICU, Med/Surg, Neuro.

It sounds like it went well from what you said- I have my first RN interview tomorrow afternoon for an ICU position, and I am terrified! I know all my "answers" but it's so different when you're on the spot, nervous as hell, being stared at by the person who is going to decide your fate (this is my first choice job btw)! I always mingle up what I'm trying to say and probably sound like I don't know what I'm talking about, even though in my head it makes sense! Anyways, question about the thank-you note...I have heard positives and negatives about both sides of this: should it be written and mailed in or typed and mailed in, or typed and emailed....? I keep getting contradictory advice on this one.

Oh and good luck on the job!! :)

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Good luck with your ICU interview tomorrow!! I worked in an ICU for 6 yrs as a secretary/tech. I loved working there, you see alot and learn alot. It's easy to practice in the mirror, but when you are faced with somebody deciding your fate, you feel like a deer in the headlights. I kept in mind not to "ummm" and "ah" during my interview, I answered as honestly as I could. My questions were very basic and valid ones, no curve balls.

Regarding the thank you notes, I sent a handwritten thank you card (put it in the mail today) every thing I have read about interviews says to send one, I would do the personal touch one, and hand write it and mail it out the same day as your interview, the rule of thumb is to have it sent out within 24 hours of your interview. It can't hurt anything and when the time comes to decision time, your note may make you stand out from the rest.

Let us know how you did and what the outcome is, I won't know my outcome til late next week. The waiting is torture!!!

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