GN with CCU interview - what to review?

[gemini901d]

Hi All,

I'm an older(42), male, second-career, recent GN(BSN). Almost all healthcare professionals, (mostly friends, so I don't think they'd TRY to steer me wrong) that I've spoken with (RN's, CRNA's, Doc's, etc...) have said that they believe that I should start my new career in CCU. They have said that from their experience they believe that that is where the best opportunites for me to be successful later on will come from.

With that in mind, I have scheduled an interview at a big, busy CCU nearby (ie. they've said that those with some experience here do very well in grad school)

Since this is my second career, I don't have a lot of practical, clinical experience. I mean, I've done well in school, know how to read books and take tests, get good grades, always show up at my clinical assignment, do what 's expected of me while in clinicals, etc....

I, however, don't have a whole lot of confidence going into the actual work part of this process yet (like I think some of my LPN classmates have). I hope that once I start (hopefully) on the CCU that I will have time to concentrate on CCU stuff and not have to spend so much time with OB, Peds, Psych, etc .....I'm hoping I'll get more confidence then.

What should I highlite/downplay during my interview? What should I review prior to? How much should I know before I get there. I don't expect a lot of technical questions but I don't want to appear lost either.

Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated as well.

Sorry for making it kind of long but it's really important and some background I think is necessary. jeff

[KellySaraLynne]

I really didnt review anything for my CCU interview, although the nurse manager did ask me a ton of questions! They mostly wanted to know general things, what were my strong points/weak areas, and she gave me a list of general scenarios and asked me what I would do in this situation or asked me to "Tell me about a time when there was a problem on a unti that needed to be solved" etc kind of questions.

Out hospital actually has a printout of those questions that they ask at all nursing interviews. Sometimes though, they throw in other things. I also interviewed on a telemetry floor and she asked me to explain to her, step by step, how to put in a urinary cath from memory haha. So really, you never know what they will ask. From my experience, try to learn to toot your own horn, but dont exxagerate because you dont want to give them false answers and look dumb later. They like to hear that you are organized and excited to learn new things. Hone in on your critical thinking skills because they will probably ask questions that will require it. GOOD LUCK! You will do great!

[CA RN 444]

Gemini, I know your interview was 2 years ago - but how did it go? How has your work experience been training in the CCU? I'm in the same situation you were in - just graduated, good grades, responsible, enthusiastic learner, but not at all confident in my clinical skills. What do you recommend emphasizing/minimizing in an interview?

Thanks!