I think I blew my interview for nursing home; please help critique me

[iwanna]

I have been on my third interview, since looking for nursing job. I really suck at interviews. Sometimes, I think it is going good, then I go blow it by giving wrong answers.

One question they asked if I would be interested in FT, later on. I told them, perhaps in about six months, I would be interested in FT. Now, I just want PT. Actually, the position, is PT. And, perhaps, they don't want someone FT.

Another goof up, the director asked after giving me a tour, if I was comfortable with my skills. I told her that I was comfortable with my physical assessment skills, dressing changes. She said they have a few NG tubes at time, I said that I would be uncomfortable with. I never had done it, but had one as a pt. and know they are uncomfortable. As soon as I said that I realized it was stupid. I should have said that I am unfamiliar with NG tube, but would love to learn. Also, I forgot to mention about foley, I never had the opportunity to insert foley, however, I have straight cathed pts. I just forget about the foley procedure. I have reviewed online, and feel that I would be fine, if someone just observed me the first time.

Another question, they asked me is how would I handle to CNAs not getting along and their work is slowed down because of it. I told her that I would try to sit down with them and come up with a compromise. Then, I was aked what if it still isn't resolved, I replied that I would ask for help with the situation.

Another thing mentioned that if a CNA needs help, and I am busy with my med cart what would I do. My reply was to prioritze for the moment. What was more important, a pt. getting a med or time, or the CNA needing my assistance. And, that would be a judgement call at the moment.

I have a feeling that I will not be considered because I screwed up interview. Honestly, I was uncertain at the time, if I would even want to work there. But, after thinking about it, I believe that I would like working in the facility because it is a smaller one. I would only have 22 pts. max. and 2 aides. However, the nurses did not appear to be very friendly. I don't think that I would be considered because my skills are rusty. My background has been in behavioral health, and they said that the medical facility is totally different. The hospital that I worked in was strictly "psych".

One more thing, was the salary. I have no clue what LPNs make in northwest PA in SNF. I asked for range of $13-16 hr. They just replied, yes somewhere in there is about right. I'll bet it is $13.05.

I would appreciate any tips for nursing interview for nursing homes.

[Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN]

Well, I'm not sure too sure if you flubbed up the interview or not, but I'm wondering about the patient load and acuity you will be facing, seeing as you said you would have 22 patients with "some" NGs. Who knows what else you may get. In my experience, I would have 1-2 NGs with maybe a PEG or two for about 30-40 residents, but not more than that. If you really do want the position, you can always call the director back and further explain your answers, which I imagine will also demonstrate that you truly want the job.

I don't know what LPN pay is where you are, but here in Iowa (down on the bottom of the nurse pay scale in the nation, yippee), a new LPN makes $15-16 an hour in LTC. I'm assuming you should expect at least something a little higher than this.

[OldMareLPN]

As difficult as it may seem, I would suggest for consideration a different tact.

YOU interview them! Ask them if their CNA's get along and what the turn over is. YOU ask them whether you are going to be a nurse, secretary or referee. Ask them what their patient demographics are. Ask to see a shift change report, nurses notes, and their last survey.

THEN if you are happy let them ask about you. If they do not like answering your questions, go elsewhere.

As far as a salary, don't beg. Tell them what you want, when you want to work.

You didn't blow your interview, sounds like they did.

Their loss.

[ann945n, RN]

I agree with the other posters. You interview them! Try to keep that in mind and try to pause before you answer questions to come up with good responses. I really dont think you did a bad job at all! I think you are right about saying you "would like to learn" instead of your original statement but I wouldnt say that is going to be a big deal. Also I try to think ahead about what sort of questions I will be asked and come up with the answer before so you have some "amo" going into the interview. Poliety wait until they are done asking you basic questions then get into you interviewing them

some things like what does management do if we are short a nurse or an aid? What is the pt load and pt acutiy. what support systems are in place for the nurses. Benefits, pay (always negotiable) these are best left to ask about once you have offically been offered the job.

Hope that helps, i think you did fine

[deeDawntee, RN]

I totally agree with the other posters. You did just fine with the interview. I know for sure that they will not base your hiring or not on a few questions that you maybe could have answered a bit better.

I like what the others have said about you interviewing them. So what if you haven't done NG's or Foleys. You are going to need help with them anyway, we all do. As an "old timer" in nursing, I still miss NG's and Foleys from time to time, that is the nature of a lot of those skills in nursing, so don't let that bother you....it make take years for you to really get comfortable with those skills. I think your answer about that was fine. Having a direct experience with an NG in your own body, is certainly a slant on that skill that many of us don't have!!

Have you tried "mock interviews" with anyone who could help you feel more comfortable? Doing some role playing is the best way to feel less intimidated that I know. There is a lot of great information about interview strategies as well. Please don't be SO hard on yourself. You did fine. It may be your general insecurity that comes across rather than the words you said. All it takes is a little practice to get better at interviews. Interviewing is the time in life when it is OK to brag about yourself. To point out your strengths and your commitments is what you need to do. Be unabashedly your own best advocate!! You are the one in control here. It is a nurse's world. You have the power!!:mad:

[LTCRN4LIFE]

You didn't blow your interview. I have interviewed and hired about 100 people in my career and would say it sounds more like you just need some work experience. I would have been most concerned with your answer to the two CNA's....and sounds like you handled that fine. The technical skills can be taught and learned but common sense is common sense....you have it.