Intense Hospital Interview and now shadowing..

[Jw1724]

I had an interview for a per diem position on a surgical unit at a local hospital.

Wow. I interviewed with HR first. She then brought me up to the unit where I met with the nurse manager, clinical leader and clinical educator from the floor.

It started out as a normal interview about experience, goals, hours, etc.

THEN... the clinical educator whipped out a packet. She gave me "report" on 4 patients. Asked me who I'd see 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Then went into detail with each one asking what I'd assess, be worried about, discharge teaching, labs to check, orders to question etcetc. WOW! It totally blew my mind.

I think I did alright- they said I was giving good answers and to not get stressed out. And once the exercise was over, they said "okay now you can breathe." Yikes. I toured the unit.

Then, they offered to have me come in to shadow a nurse for 3 hours- which I'm doing tomorrow morning!

Any tips on what to ask/do/etc? I plan to wear pale pink bottoms with a white scrub top. Do you think this is okay?!

[NoviceRN10]

I would ask the HR person what you are supposed to wear (or the person who invited you to shadow). I think a surgical unit (it's not med-surge, is it?) is a good place to start your first nursing job. You get experience with some med-surge stuff (wound care, peg tubes, trachs), but you mostly deal with pain management.

[Jw1724]

I did my shadowing this morning and loved it! Everyone on the floor is great and have been there for 5 years+. Great teachers and an interesting floor. Let's hope!!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

i did my shadowing this morning and loved it! everyone on the floor is great and have been there for 5 years+. great teachers and an interesting floor. let's hope!!

well, hopefully you may get the job.... the reason job interviews are now intense is because hiring mangers are trying very hard to make sure he/she hires the employees who have the skills, personality, and the ability to remain in a position. hiring managers with revolving doors are being looked at closely these days. also, with the economy the way it is, there is no excuse for high turnovers rates except to point the finger at the manager, imo.

btw, it is a good sign to walk the floor and find nurses, where they have remained for 5+ years. that means the environment must be either supportive or there is a powerful clique that runs out the newbies. hopefully, the reason is the former. gl!