Interview for Critical Care Sponsorship

[newnurse101]

Hi!

I have an upcoming critical care sponsorship interview. I’m very nervous about it as I have never worked in ICU. The only “experience” I have is from school, where I got to shadow an ICU nurse for 2 days ? but it’s a dream unit for me! I’m assuming they would ask entry level questions as it’s a sponsorship program but please please comment some tips! Thanks all!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

There's obviously no way to predict what's going in the minds of the people who will interview you but to me first impressions always make an impact. 

Show enthusiasm and express a commitment to the ICU bedside nursing role.  I would start thinking of positive things that you observed in the 2 days you were in the ICU...like seeing more autonomy in the clinical decisions that the nurses made, how collaborative they are with providers and other ICU team members, how detail-oriented they seem to be, how they advocate for their patients. 

Paint a picture that this is how you would eventually want to become as a nurse.  As a novice candidate, I would avoid statements that imply a desire to pursue advanced practice one day (such as CRNA) even if that's your goal.  I think it's best to project a desire of becoming a good ICU nurse first.

[NurseBrittRN]

Good luck! Critical thinking skills are essential for an ICU nurse. Try to think of some examples where you got to utilize them prior. 

I would mention your desire to be in ICU, that you want to become a great critical care nurse, and eventually take your CCRN etc.