Interview Fri for CNA in Med/Surg advice please

jb2u, ASN, RN · Jun 29, 2006

Hey, I just wanted to throw out a question for any who have some advice to give. I have an interview at 10am on Fri for a CNA position on a Med/Surg floor. This would be my first real healthcare job. Are there any questions or things I should bring up to make myself shine a little better since I have a lack of practical experience? I have been through the CNA course at college and am awaiting my test date on July 15. I have also provided care for a C4/C5 quadriplegic (friend of my mom's) for the last few months in his home. And, I will be attending nursing school in the fall. That is the extent of my experience/knowledge. How can I show that even though I have little experience, I do have an eager-to-learn attitude and a great desire to provide quality patient care. I know there are others applying who will have more experience, but are not certified or haven't taken the CNA program. I'm not sure how I'd measure up against them. I am willing to work all weekends (I have no life), so I'm hoping that can be a big selling point, too. If you have any advice on things to say/do/bring/ask at the interview, then please let me know. Thank you.

i would think the fact that you are certified and plan on going to nursing school would be enough, but some other things would be...

1. dress appropriately.

2. smile

3. let them know how excited you are about going to nursing school and that

you feel cna work will give you a great foundation to build your nursing

career on. (which it will!)

4. send a thank you note after your interview. (even if they tell you on the

spot that you got the job)

i hope everything goes well for you. if you do end up working as a cna, don't give up on going to nursing school. cna work can be horrible at times. too many patients and too little time and help. just focus on what you see as ways you can improve things as a nurse. hang in there and you will have a rewarding career. let the interviewer "see" your enthusiasm about caring for patients. i wish you the best of luck friday.

sincerely,

jay

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Jun 29, 2006

Thank you so much. Nursing school is my first priority. I had been finishing up my last couple of prereqs when it crossed my mind to take the CNA course and get some healthcare experience. So, I will definitely be going into nursing this fall come hell or high water. This decision of becoming a nurse is one of the first I've made in a long while that I've actually felt enthusiastic about. I can't wait! Thanks again.

heather2084, BSN · Jun 30, 2006

I'm currently a nursing student graduating in Dec. I began working as a patient care tech(nurse aid) this summer through my student nurse experience. I must say, I've been there a month and have already found an LVN who is eager to help me out on learning. He's been an LVN for many, many years and is about to get his RN. It really is a great learning experience despite how hard the work can be at times. As far as the interview goes, just be yourself. If they ask any questions about what do you do in this scenario, pt safety is always first. Just be confident, let them know your future plans of going to nursing school, and that your schedule is flexible. Above all, they appreciate honesty. I bet you'll do just fine. Good luck!

Hockeytown · Jun 30, 2006

Let them know you ARE a team player, Good Luck!

bethin · Jun 30, 2006

Hey, I just wanted to throw out a question for any who have some advice to give. I have an interview at 10am on Fri for a CNA position on a Med/Surg floor. This would be my first real healthcare job. Are there any questions or things I should bring up to make myself shine a little better since I have a lack of practical experience? I have been through the CNA course at college and am awaiting my test date on July 15. I have also provided care for a C4/C5 quadriplegic (friend of my mom's) for the last few months in his home. And, I will be attending nursing school in the fall. That is the extent of my experience/knowledge. How can I show that even though I have little experience, I do have an eager-to-learn attitude and a great desire to provide quality patient care. I know there are others applying who will have more experience, but are not certified or haven't taken the CNA program. I'm not sure how I'd measure up against them. I am willing to work all weekends (I have no life), so I'm hoping that can be a big selling point, too. If you have any advice on things to say/do/bring/ask at the interview, then please let me know. Thank you.

1. Dress professionally. Keep jewelry and makeup to a min.

2. BE ON TIME! By being late, your future employer may think you have a case of chronic tardiness. If you are unfamiliar with the hospital leave early. 'Tis better to be early than late.

3. Don't bring up money.

4. Ask about staff to patient ratios.

5. Be gracious, polite and kind. These are things that people look for in nurses. Let them know you are going to nursing school. Employers like to retain the aides when they graduate from school.

Be confident and don't use too many "umms". If you can't answer a question right away, think for a moment before answering.

In all honesty, my current employer never asked me why I wanted to be a nurse, why I wanted to work there. She basically asked when I could start!

Good luck!

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Jun 30, 2006

Thanks so much for the replies. They called me this morning to reschedule me to 2pm instead of the original 10am. And don't you know that I'm just soooo flexible and accomodating that of course I can come later this afternoon (sly smile). Anyway, that's kind of good because they already know that I'm flexible now.

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 3, 2006

Okay, the interview went great. I really got along well with my interviewer. She liked my enthusiasm, she liked that I'm going into nursing school, and she seemed to like me personally, too. She showed me around the floor and introduced me to her team (who were so nice by the way). Anyway, she said there were a couple others to interview, and that I should hear something by the beginning of this week, so I'm crossing my fingers. Please pray for me, think of me, wish me luck or whatever. Thanks!

jb2u, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2006

Okay, the interview went great. I really got along well with my interviewer. She liked my enthusiasm, she liked that I'm going into nursing school, and she seemed to like me personally, too. She showed me around the floor and introduced me to her team (who were so nice by the way). Anyway, she said there were a couple others to interview, and that I should hear something by the beginning of this week, so I'm crossing my fingers. Please pray for me, think of me, wish me luck or whatever. Thanks!

good luck and my prayers are with you

jay

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 6, 2006

Hey, here's an update:

I GOT HIRED!!!!!!

Happy happy happy! I go to get drug tested and finger printed Tuesday. Thanks for all your help and advice!

chadash · Jul 6, 2006

Hey, here's an update:
I GOT HIRED!!!!!!
Happy happy happy! I go to get drug tested and finger printed Tuesday. Thanks for all your help and advice!

Congrats! All the best, and God Bless....

jb2u, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

congrats and best of luck!!!

jay