Help! Phone interview for pacu position!?

[Spode]

I am waiting on a phone call to schedule a phone interview as the first step of interviewing for a PACU position.

The interviewer is an HR company hired to handle employment apps for a small MD practice with a certified OR in

the office. I really need this job and I have no idea what to expect and how to "pass" this first step so I can actually meet the staff and receive an interview by them. Anyone else done this for a clinical position?

Suggestions for making a good impression please! What questions should I ask the interviewer?

[ocean waves]

Hello. I have not experienced a "phone interview", however I have had pre-interview phone discussions with nurse recruiters or head nurses. Typical first questions usually are about professional preparation and previous related nursing experience. Regarding your question about "making a good impression", employers tend to like candidates who convey that they are careful, reliable, good team players,and willing to learn the guidelines at the desired facility. On questions to ask, it would be helpful for you to ask for a brief job description or common duties required and about any "on call" requirements. Best wishes!

[Guest27531]

Good luck with your interview!

Each phase of the interview process is to obtain different information about the applicant. The HR department is looking specifically at your qualifications such as appropriate licensure, certifications, experience, and any other specifics that have been given to them (Spanish-speaking, Chinese-speaking, etc). Your phone call with them can be very open and shouldn't cause you much stress. If you have the qualifications they are looking for, you will get the next interview.

For an interview with a Manager you may have a conversation about the same aspects (education, experience) but a manager's focus is going to be on staffing. Do you have enough experience to function effectively in a short period? Do you appear to be someone who will report to work on time and not call in sick? Are you reliable? Are you planning to stay at the job for awhile (that is, you won't be working for 6 months and quit)...things like that.

For a Peer Interview you may also have a conversation about the educational and experiencial aspects but the focus will be on whether you are a person they can work with...Are you friendly? (in contrast to arrogant, hostile, etc) , Are you interested in learning how the staff does things? (in contrast to thinking you can come in and change the way they do things right away)...things like that.

I'm sure you will do fine.

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

Hi, you don't mention if you are PACU experienced. Have you previously worked in a perioperative setting? If you have a good idea of the functions of a PACU RN, you may well have a foot in at the door; most of us tend to stick in our jobs, so there might not be much competition from experienced PACU staff.

If you're not sure about what your duties might entail, look up some of the threads in the PACU forum. If you're not sure where to find it, go to "Specialty" on the AN task bar, select "Nursing Specialties" and scroll down till you find PACU. Read up a bit on it so you can impress with your insight.

Like one of the other posters, I have never gone through a phone interview; in fact, believe it or not, I have never in my life had to submit a resume or curriculum vitae! Ah, for the old days when you just rocked up at the NSM's office and asked for a job....

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I did a phone interview for a PACU position way back in the day. The NM asked me about my education, my unit, what my goals were. She also asked my why I wanted to come to the PACU. My response was that I felt that I needed more "brain candy" and that I had asked a few nurses in the PACU what their experience was on a day to day basis. I told her that I liked what I was hearing from the nurses regarding one on one patient care, the management of multiple lines, drips, drains, epidurals, the autonomy that the nurses have, educational offerings and working among a close knit team. I further explained that I was excited about the possibility of learning more about acute post op care since the surgical patients on my unit were my favorite patients.

I hope you get the job. PACU is a wonderful place to sharpen your skills. Good luck!

[Potassium]

It's hard not letting your nerves get to you but the more relaxed you are the easier it will be to think critically and articulate what the interviewer has asked. Best of luck!! Prove to them you are the RIGHT candidate for the job!

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

It's hard to find PACU nurses. If you know what PACU is about, they will figure it out from the get go (i.e. phone conversation).

If you "pass" their test, you go further.

Good luck.

P.S. It's not something someone can tell you here nor read up on,

it's about experience...and understanding how a PACU really works....

can't explain unless you've been there...