I finally got an interview, and I'm terrified!!

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello-

I have my first interview this week at a hospital on a Med/Surg floor. I'm so nervous I haven't slept in days! I really want (and need!!) this job and I am so worried I will mess it up. I've done all the preparation things that are suggested, read countless answers to the "tough interview questions" and researched the hospital as much as I can. I still don't feel prepared!

I am interviewing with HR and then the Unit Manager, I'm scared that they are going to ask me questions about meds or procedures that I won't be able to answer, I've been out of school since May and I feel like I've forgotten everything.

Any words of advice? How the heck am I going to go in there and show them I'm the best candidate for the job when I'm so afraid that I'm not??

Thank you in advance for any advise!

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I have interviewed for 3 positions as a new grad..2 of which I was offered the job on the spot..the third I was not offered but the unit manager loved me but felt I was better suited for bone marrow transplant unit as opposed to the medical oncology floor given my ICU experience as a student and tech. She highly recommended me for a position on the BMT unit and I have an interview there Friday so I assume I made a good impression.

Of those interviews I was never asked about meds or procedures so don't even sweat that. I was mainly asked about myself, my experiences as a student or tech, etc. Some questions I got asked were "tell me about yourself"..."why oncology/medsurg/tele, etc?".."why should i hire you over someone else?"..."what are your strengths/weaknesses?"..."tell me how you deal with stress?", etc. I was given a tour, I was given info on patient populations, the floor in general, vacation time, scheduling, etc. I was given the oppurutnity to ask questions so be prepared to ask a few!

If you are called for interview they obviously are interested in you already so just go in and be confident and calm as can be. Show your passion, your enthusiasm. Be comfortable selling yourself and being genuine about it and remember to smile and make eye contact. Dress professionally and send the interviewer a quick thank you email afterwards..that really helps you stand out from other people. I too get very nervous but I try not to let myself get intimidated...I know what I have to offer as a professional and in my eyes, if I am not offered the job it is there loss because I would make a damn good nurse and would be an asset to the floor. Just be yourself, they know you will be nervous and new..they expect it..so take some deep breaths and show your personality..the worse they can say is no! good luck..you can do it! let me know how it goes :)

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Thank you wrenRN06 for your support!

I think the interview went well, I was invited to do a shadow shift on Monday, that I also think went well!! They are in the process of checking my references and background right now. I guess that means they have some sort of interest in me! I just hope that all goes well and they offer me the position! I really like the unit and the staff that I met, and I REALLY want to work for this hospital. Waiting for their offer is almost worse than the pre-interview anxiety! I'll let you know when I find out-

Thanks again for your vote of confidence.

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Wow sounds like all went well keeping my fingers crossed and hope you will get the word soon!!!

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So here's my newest dilemma....

How long should I wait to hear back from them?The HR person I interviewed with called last Friday (one week ago) to let me know that they had completed my reference and background check and needed me to give details about something on my criminal record. She also said that "We are interviewing more applicants this next week, but I should be able to let you know something by the end of next week..."

Its now Friday at 5:15PM and no call! :sniff:

I've been like a teenager waiting for a boy to call, watching my phone and occasionally calling it to make sure it still works all week long!!!!!

Obviously, calling her over the weekend will do me no good, but how long should I wait? And should I email her, or call, and what the heck do I say??

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