Interview advice DESPERATELY needed!

[Muffinmarf]

Hi all -

I have an interview scheduled for Friday and I'd like some advice.

I'm interviewing for a new grad position and it would be my dream job!

I was contacted and asked to submit essay answers to 3 questions, which were reviewed by 3 managers. Then I was contacted by HR for an inperson interview with the same 3 managers. I'll be in a panel style interview with 2 clinical managers and the department education specialist.

So I'd love some advice on the types of questions to expect. I've been told to expect behavioral type interviewing. As a new grad, I'm not sure what to expect as I don't have much clinical experience at this point.

Also, I know I need a conflict resolution example, but the problem is that I truly have not had a real conflict that I've been part of, so I'm at a loss for what to say to that. I know it's an important topic and I want to be prepared.

I was thinking that I should have some questions prepared to ask that are different from the standard ones about ratio's, training, etc. But I'm not sure if it's ok to ask things like "what is the most common RN problem on the unit" or not. I don't want to focus on negative questions.

ACK! And one more, when talking about future goals/plans I know I'm supposed to talk about my plans within the unit. Aside from becoming a preceptor, doing clinical ladder, what are other in unit goals?

Thanks all!

[S2B2014]

Have you witnessed a conflict resolution type situation that you could say you learned from? Or think of times you made a mistake and what you did to fix it?

I'm assuming the position is for something in Pediatrics so be prepared for "why you want to go into pediatrics?" and also "why nursing?". They might ask your strengths and weaknesses (*your inexperience is your biggest weakness), for you to tell them about yourself, and why should they choose you. Also, think about why you want to work for that hospital and that unit.

As far as goals, are you planning on continuing your education eventually? What certifications could you get in this area?

Ask what THEY are looking for in an employee/RN, what the biggest challenges are for their new grads, what will the training be like, what challenges are present for even experienced nurses, what are THEY'RE goals for the unit within the next 5-10 years, what is their retention rate...

These are things I thought about and planned for for my interview (said my answers out loud until it felt natural). I also brought my resume and letters of rec in a nice plastic book report cover and sent a thank you note after my interview...and I am currently training for my dream job :)

[NurseKateC]

How did the interview go?