I have a interview for nursing assistant position with no experience or certification

[JazmineAllen]

Ok so here's the deal, I have a job interview at a local hospital in SC for a nursing assistant-flex pool position. The qualifications are: HS Diploma (which I have) and 0-2 years of related experience. As well as knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. I have NO nursing assistant experience and NO knowledge of these terms.. What should I do???? I was thinking maybe go to the library and check out a book on those concepts, etc. What do you guys advise?? Can I still ace this interview??

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Why is your poll about treating nursing assistants poorly? If you have never worked in healthcare you have no idea how they are treated and what does that have to do with your interview question?

Most facilities want certified CNA's for these positions and there is really no way to fake your way through an interview.

[JazmineAllen]

Well, Essme12, I opted for this poll because I came across a comment on Google saying that while asking the interviewer questions', it was best to observe the answers because it shows if the hospital was likely to mistreat the assistants. Being that I have no experience I would likely be at the bottom of the chain of command. Also, the position is NOT for CNA the position is for nursing assistants only and doesn't need to be certified. However, experience (0-2 years) is preferred. I would also like it if you would keep your pessimistic attitude on a different level and bring refreshing advice onto this board instead of reasons why my ambition is fluke. Thanks.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

It is difficult to learn practical clinical skills from a book. You can review medical terminology but without context or background there is he risk of mispronunciation and misuse/misinterpretation of the terms. Often NA positions are for CNAs or nursing students especially in a hospital setting. The facility may have on the job training program but this is not as common as it was years ago.

Esme is not being pessimistic but simply replying to what you stated in your original post. If you go into the interview looking for "abuse" or "bullying" of low level staff I am certain you will find it. If you go into the interview seeking an opportunity to learn about the facility and potential employment as well as possible on the job training you will be more successful. Be clear that you are only at the minimum qualifications with no experience but willing to learn. Do you aspire to be a CNA or attend nursing school?

Trying to learn skills, procedures and terminology in a few days from a library book will be evident at the interview. This may be construed as "faking it" rather than initiative. Perhaps time may be better spent learning about the facility and the types of patients served and any advertised education or training opportunities might help you more during the interview.

[JazmineAllen]

Ok JustBeachyNurse, so you think that it is best if I take an honest, open approach. Like you said just tell the interviewer that I have no experience but am willing to learn? Yes, I do plan on attending nursing school. I am young, 19 years old, and am really searching for employment. I'm open to learn new things if that means starting fresh I'll absolutely go for it. Nursing was not my first choice, Radiology was. However, I know they do not offer on the job training for that field. And honestly I chose that poll because I had no other and what I had mentioned about Google came first to mind.

[Ash1121]

I was a CNA for 3 years before starting nursing school. I had absolutely no experience like you, but I was certified...however, I challenged the boards. If you youtube "nursing assistant skills," you'll find a lot of videos of CNA students performing tasks that pertain to their scope of practice. That's exactly what I did. I'm sure you'll do fine. Just go into your interview with a positive attitude and a smile. And make it clear to the person interviewing you that you are eager to learn and are a team player; two very important aspects of nursing.

[JazmineAllen]

Thanks Ash. But what kind if certification did you have? If you don't mind me asking.

[Ash1121]

I had my nursing assistant certification.

[verene, MSN]

I think the interview is likely to be difficult for you. Do you have any related experience at all? Care-giving for a family member? Volunteer work? Anything? Have you taking any kind of home care aid, or nursing assistant training classes?

While I understand that this is an entry level position from your description, a hospital is very unlikely to hire with no related experience and no knowledge of the key concepts. You might be able to brush up on some of the concepts from books and youtube videos but this is very different from having taken a class, or better yet having some real world experience. Books and videos aren't going to count as training/experience for the interview. I think you are going to have to be honest in the interview and say that you do not meet the minimum qualifications because you don't have this knowledge.

Try taking a nursing assistant course and reapplying at a later date if you want a real chance at being hired.