Interview for ER position.

VCUBen · Feb 19, 2009

Hey I have worked as a Tech in the ER for about a year and night shift is all about time management. That one year experience will be valuable. Their typically will not be a tech, well at the one i work at their is only me and i cant work everyday. What ype of hospital is it, Level 1 trauma, small rural ? Last thing inquire about the level of team work in the department. This is critical for success. It is not uncommon to get 3 new patients w/o triage as one time so be prepared to ask for help and give help when able.

Renald · Feb 19, 2009

Hello, congratulations on getting an interview. I was just fortunate to have received a position in the ED. In the interview, I had to sign a paper stating that I will not tell anyone the questions they asked me. My advice to you is to be honest and give examples with each question they give you. This is what I did and our interview became more like a conversation. I wish you the best of luck...

mwboswell · Feb 19, 2009

Hello, congratulations on getting an interview. I was just fortunate to have received a position in the ED. In the interview, I had to sign a paper stating that I will not tell anyone the questions they asked me. My advice to you is to be honest and give examples with each question they give you. This is what I did and our interview became more like a conversation. I wish you the best of luck...

Okay, you got me interested!

Without "telling me the questions they asked", can you state the subject/topic?????

I can't see what questions they would ask and how that would be so "secure"?

Question: What happens if you did tell?

How long was that agreement binding?

What if they offered you the job?

What if they didn't offer you the job?

I just can't believe there's anyting that "secret"....

Unless there's something they asked like "Would you mind taking care of 10 patients at a time?" or "Would you mind working mandatory overtime?"

Now there's a thought I just had, what if it's in a "Union" state and they are asking you questions contrary to Union bylaws or causing you to give value judgements against other people or entities????

Sheeeeesh!

ACRN06 · Feb 20, 2009

With interviews my suggestion is to get in your head some of your best moments as a nurse.

A lot of the questions that are asked are like

"So tell me about a time that you showed good leadership"

"Tell me about a time that you had to advocate for a patient"

"Tell me about ways you were involved with activities/commitees to help improve your last unit"

"Tell me why you want to work in the ER"

"What do you think are your strengths as a nurse"

"What are your weaknesses"

"How assertive do you think you are?"

I remember these type of questions asked... especially ones where they wanted specific examples. Drove me crazy when you don't see 'em coming, cuz oftentimes its something that you do all the time but since you're on the spot you get flustered and draw a blank.

A lot of those questions above are exactly what my manager asked me before hiring.

Be confident, sharp, and I'm sure you'll ace it :)

Good luck!

mwboswell · Feb 20, 2009

With interviews my suggestion is to get in your head some of your best moments as a nurse.
A lot of the questions that are asked are like
"So tell me about a time that you showed good leadership"
"Tell me about a time that you had to advocate for a patient"
"Tell me about ways you were involved with activities/commitees to help improve your last unit"
"Tell me why you want to work in the ER"
"What do you think are your strengths as a nurse"
"What are your weaknesses"
"How assertive do you think you are?"
I remember these type of questions asked... especially ones where they wanted specific examples. Drove me crazy when you don't see 'em coming, cuz oftentimes its something that you do all the time but since you're on the spot you get flustered and draw a blank.
A lot of those questions above are exactly what my manager asked me before hiring.
Be confident, sharp, and I'm sure you'll ace it :)
Good luck!

Ok sure, but - then to sign a confidentiality agreement?

Something smells Rotten in Denmark.

gaylordfocker2002 · Feb 20, 2009

Thanks for the input to all. Much appreciated

deelyn4 · Feb 20, 2009

One question that I had a hard time coming up with an answer to was "tell me about a time that you made a mistake. and how did you handle it?"

I also was given scenarios regarding triage. EXAMPLE: a toddler presents drooling, a 65 year old male SOB, and a 30 year old with a lac to his hand. What category do they fall into (emergent, urgent, non-urgent)? and who would you treat first, and why?

GOOD LUCK!!

mwboswell · Feb 20, 2009

One question that I had a hard time coming up with an answer to was "tell me about a time that you made a mistake. and how did you handle it?"
I also was given scenarios regarding triage. EXAMPLE: a toddler presents drooling, a 65 year old male SOB, and a 30 year old with a lac to his hand. What category do they fall into (emergent, urgent, non-urgent)? and who would you treat first, and why?
GOOD LUCK!!

Hmmm sounds like a test question....

1) Always assume worst case scenario

2) Refer to #1

therefore

Toddler = First back, A=Airway; potential airway problem (foreign body, laryngeotracheobronchitis, epiglottitis etc)

65 Man SOB = Next back; B for BREATHING problem (pneumoina, asthma, COPD, pneumothorax, PE, STEMI etc)

Then the 30 yo w/head lac = the laceration if severe would come on under "C" for circulation, and if not then under "D" for disability (potential head pathology)

Did I get it right?

deelyn4 · Feb 20, 2009

Hmmm sounds like a test question....
1) Always assume worst case scenario
2) Refer to #1
therefore
Toddler = First back, A=Airway; potential airway problem (foreign body, laryngeotracheobronchitis, epiglottitis etc)
65 Man SOB = Next back; B for BREATHING problem (pneumoina, asthma, COPD, pneumothorax, PE, STEMI etc)
Then the 30 yo w/head lac = the laceration if severe would come on under "C" for circulation, and if not then under "D" for disability (potential head pathology)
Did I get it right?

Excellent! You answered correctly!

ACRN06 · Feb 21, 2009

Ok sure, but - then to sign a confidentiality agreement?
Something smells Rotten in Denmark.

uh... no

I've never signed, nor been asked to sign, a confidentiality agreement.

Thats stupid.

I don't know what they other dude's deal was with the confidential stuff... I've worked places all over the US and never heard of that.

loricatus · Feb 21, 2009

Here's a question that I once got that is the of the type another poster mentioned:

"Can you tell me about a situation or patient where you went above your duties/responsibilities to make a positive difference?"

Just remembered a couple more:

"Was there ever a circumstance where you disagreed with your manager/charge nurse/supervisor? If so, what did you do and who did you do it with?"

"If you felt the ER doctor was making a mistake, how would you handle it?"

My advise to a successful interview would be to become familiar with Emergency Nursing protocols and assessment forms. If you are a member of the ENA, you can access those things on their website. If not, try an internet search for them. Also, look up Trauma (TNCC) protocols. You could just look at the chart to review the ER portion, too.

I really will help you to get the job if you demonstrate an understanding of some of the things specific to ER nursing and what you could bring to the ER from your background (hint: time management and preferring rapid turnover instead of seeing the same patient day after day, rhythm recognition and cardiac meds, focused assessments, interdepartmental relations, customer service skills, IV proficiency, autonomy, teamwork...).