Interview for different specility

[Guest1030824]

Hi, I've been off the Med Surg floor for two years while completing my BSN and dealing with the death of my best friend and sister. I want to start applying for either PCU or ICU positions but I am not sure if I would be considered. Should I apply back to Med Surg since that is the area I have experience in and then climb my way up? OR directly apply to ICU which is where I ultimately want to be. Also, what types of interview questions would I get if I do apply to ICU? I left my previous job because I was unhappy due to bullying. The culture I worked in was negative. I'm not sure how to answer the question of why did you leave your last job when it is not appropriate to say anything bad about previous employers. Any advice on how I can overcome these obstacles? Thank you!

[waufah, BSN, RN]

Should I apply back to Med Surg since that is the area I have experience in and then climb my way up?I OR directly apply to ICU which is where I ultimately want to be.

• If you want to work in the ICU, apply there. You have 2 years of med surg...that is a plus. You have honed your assessment,critical, and time management skills.

Also, what types of interview questions would I get if I do apply to ICU?

• Why do you want to work in the ICU?
• What makes you qualified for this position?
• You might get different scenarios testing your critical skills,team work or dealing with conflict.

I left my previous job because I was unhappy due to bullying. The culture I worked in was negative. I'm not sure how to answer the question of why did you leave your last job when it is not appropriate to say anything bad about previous employers.

• Yes bad mouthing employers is a NO NO!. Just say you took time off work to concentrate on your BSN.

[Guest1030824]

Thank you so much!

[Guest1030824]

HI, waufah BSN, RN.

I'm trying to answer the question of "What makes you qualified for this position?" but I am stuck because I know that I would need to be trained in ICU. Only thing I can say is "I'm qualified because I am willing to work hard in order to be a successful ICU nurse". I am so passionate about this choice that I would do whatever it takes to succeed. As a nurse that has been of floor for two years, how can I sell myself as being qualified to be in ICU?