Interiview advice

SandraJean · Sep 29, 2005

Yikes!!!! I'm thinking of applying for an RN position, and it's been a mighty long time since I've had an interview, let alone worked! I'm interested in what advice others have to give, too. :uhoh21:

KatieBell · Oct 1, 2005

Finally, my "career building" lectures come in handy!!!

Firstly: Situational interviewing is not often used in nursing, as we are often "behind the norm" in the professional world. It's a relatively new (like in the past 10-20 years) technique. So, if you are prepared, you might be doing better than 1/2 the people they interview.

For these situational interviews, however, it is best to have "example stories" ready. The point of the stories is to put yourself forward as a responsible, thoughtful, logical human being. The other point is to anticipate the questions so you have small 1-2 minute examples already ready...sometimes in a nervous haste we pull out an example and at the end of the story it isn't the best example.

In the question about tell me about when you were unable to meet a deadline: One easy story is to dicuss having a lot of school work due at the same time, and calling one teacher ahead of time and negotiating an extension of 2 days. In that story you show them that you are thinking ahead- ie you realized the deadline couldn't be met, and you renegotiated, BEFORE it affected your grade.

Another example may include that you tried to renegotiate and it wasn't possible, so you readjusted your schedule and in the end met the deadline. This shows initiative, committment and flexibility.

Your stories should of course be True, and they should highlight qualities that the interviewer is looking for: Honesty, integrity, flexibility, ability to handle conflict and confrontation appropriately (something nurses in general seem not too good at!), etc.

I don't know any sites. also: dress very neutrally, but you already knew that yes?

Best Wishes.

Town & Country · Oct 1, 2005

Usually over an hour long interview.

You know, that really isn't that long, if you talk at ALL. I have had many interviews that seemed to fly by, and when I would check the time it had been an hour........

snag · Oct 4, 2005

Hey, with the nursing shortage in this country they need you...you don't need them. If they want to play games and be "brutal", take a walk and find somewhere else to work. One year of experience and you can just about find anything you want. That's the key to this career...flexibility for you-not for them. If they want to continue poking themselves in the eye with a sharp stick, then the &%$# with them. After all the sweat and tears you went through to get those nursing credentials you need to go where you are WELCOMED with open arms...not some stuck up place where they feel they have to run you through a gauntlet for the "privilege" of working there. Tell 'em "no thanks" and walk. It is a sellers' market out there...use it to your advantage! Good luck and GOOD HUNTING!

PS: Do you REALLY think they make physicians go through this crap?