Hardest interview questions

sandman1 · Dec 1, 2004

In hindsight, this isn't that difficult but during a stressfull interview, the one that stands out was a question asking me about venous gases.........when to use, what they tell you, implications, etc.........

My interview was very fair and didn't ask nonrelevant questions like some programs do. Was mostly about swans, svo2 monitoring, abg's......and how to correct poor results, venous gases, drugs and their specific actions, etc.

Out of pure curiosity, I wanted to know what everyone's hardest interview question was. I interviewed at three schools and all asked "what can you tell me about yourself?". An easy question, but I can't keep myself from wanting to say "well, I'm 6 feet tall, 190lbs. I like punk rock and ...". Actually, the hardest question I had was at LaRoche College/Allegheny Valley Hospital where they asked me to explain all the electrolyte imbalances in a patient with acute renal failure. Fortunatley, I recalled much of the info from nursing school. That was a painful interview. What's your hardest interview question?

Tia · Dec 3, 2004

In hindsight, this isn't that difficult but during a stressfull interview, the one that stands out was a question asking me about venous gases.........when to use, what they tell you, implications, etc.........
My interview was very fair and didn't ask nonrelevant questions like some programs do. Was mostly about swans, svo2 monitoring, abg's......and how to correct poor results, venous gases, drugs and their specific actions, etc.

My question had nothing to do with the clinical aspect of nursing and my ICU experience but more about my personal situation while in school. There is an 80 percent divorce rate in graduate school. If you are married or in a serious relationship how do you plan to provide emotional support to family and balance your studies?? Do they understand the sacrifice you are undertaking and who is going to be there to support you besides your significant other. I was not prepared for those kind of questions but they are very important. The less distractions you have during school the better. Tia

zrmorgan · Dec 3, 2004

I prepared for the interview...I read somewhere that if you get the weakness question....use something neutral, not too weak, for example something that might be seen as a strength by some.

So during my interview they said "tell us about a weakness you may have..."

Ha! I thought I got this one! So I said "hmmmmm.....I think I tend to double check things too often, and this may slow me down".

The inteviewer (who is now my clinical director) looked at me and said...."No, I think that is a strength, give me another example".

That was one of those moments when your stomach drops and your head goes blank. I dont remember what I said, but it was a bunch of bs.

Either way, I think I answered his question.:chair:

PJA2004 · Dec 3, 2004

The interview ask "why don't you tell me about yourself", because they are trying to find out your personal situation. Its illegal for an interviewer to just come out and ask this question. But they are trying to figure out if you are married, single or have any problems at home that would interfer with the postition. They really want to know your family situation so they know how dependable you would be working for their company/hospital. Is sick kids going to be a problem? How far away do you live from work? Thats why they ask that question.

Many interviewers ask the same questions because use the same protocol. They will ask you "where do you see yourself in five years?" This is commonly asked because they really want to know what your long term goals are , so they can figure if its worth their time to hire and train you. It cost alot of money to train and orient new hires. They also ask because they want to see if you would be unhappy with the position or get bored with it after working a short time.

Never talk money or ask what the postition pays during the first interview. If they ask you how much money you expect, just reply with "how much would you be willing to pay the best candidate for this position?" This leaves the door open for negotiations, because you do not want to accidently sell yourself out.

The last question seems to always be asking you why should you be the one they hire? Its to give you time to wrap the interview up and SELL, SELL,SELL YOURSELF! Keep in mind, interviews are a procedure to elminate people that do not fit their criteria. They are not for positive reasons. It takes practice to interview well.

blee1 · Dec 3, 2004

The interview ask "why don't you tell me about yourself", because they are trying to find out your personal situation. Its illegal for an interviewer to just come out and ask this question. But they are trying to figure out if you are married, single or have any problems at home that would interfer with the postition. They really want to know your family situation so they know how dependable you would be working for their company/hospital. Is sick kids going to be a problem? How far away do you live from work? Thats why they ask that question.
Many interviewers ask the same questions because use the same protocol. They will ask you "where do you see yourself in five years?" This is commonly asked because they really want to know what your long term goals are , so they can figure if its worth their time to hire and train you. It cost alot of money to train and orient new hires. They also ask because they want to see if you would be unhappy with the position or get bored with it after working a short time.
Never talk money or ask what the postition pays during the first interview. If they ask you how much money you expect, just reply with "how much would you be willing to pay the best candidate for this position?" This leaves the door open for negotiations, because you do not want to accidently sell yourself out.
The last question seems to always be asking you why should you be the one they hire? Its to give you time to wrap the interview up and SELL, SELL,SELL YOURSELF! Keep in mind, interviews are a procedure to elminate people that do not fit their criteria. They are not for positive reasons. It takes practice to interview well.

He's talking about school interviews... but good info for the next time I apply somewhere, thanks :)

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Dec 3, 2004

There is an 80 percent divorce rate in graduate school.

May I ask where this statistic comes from? Does it apply to all graduate programs? It sounds a little exaggerated.

jts2404 · Dec 3, 2004

Hi, I have an upcoming interview at UTC. I have heard that they require a test(similar to a CPU?) and an ethical discussion essay during the interview. Can anyone tell me what to expect? I would really appreciate it... Thanks a bunch. The anticipation is nerve racking!

Laughing Gas · Dec 6, 2004

After alot of pretty involved questions that I answered in detail, I fumbled on the one yard line with this one;

How many ucg's in a gram?

I said, 1 million.. no 100 k, no wait a million. I couldn't get my brain on straight for the easiest question of the day.

versatile_kat · Dec 6, 2004

After alot of pretty involved questions that I answered in detail, I fumbled on the one yard line with this one;
How many ucg's in a gram?
I said, 1 million.. no 100 k, no wait a million. I couldn't get my brain on straight for the easiest question of the day.

Ditto on the easy question ... I worked in a CTICU and they asked me, if my patient had just had a left main MI and I could only put it in ONE lead, which lead would I choose. The first thing that popped out of my mouth was "Lead II!" and they kind of looked at me funny ??? I quickly corrected myself and said Lead V, but I thought the damage was done. I even apologized for the brain fart! They must have liked me enough to accept me, though :)

Pete495 · Dec 6, 2004

Left Main Mi = Death

versatile_kat · Dec 6, 2004

Left Main Mi = Death

Exactly ... but I had to assume this patient was a miracle b/c I'd already asked them if he was still alive ... :uhoh3: