Interview help for ER new grad position

[Nancy06]

I am a new graduate (Dec. 09) and FINALLY have an interview. I have been applying everywhere, but there have not been any new grad opportunities in this area. Anyway, I have an interview in the ER of a large teaching facility and am very anxious. I've just received the phone call and the interview is in 5 days! #1 I never really considered the ER before, but I was applying for anything I could find! #2 I haven't been on an interview in almost 20 years #3 I finished the RN program in Oct 09 and I feel I have forgotten so much!! #4 I have been an LVN in an outpatient setting most of my career and do not use many skills. Yes, I give pain meds, immunizations and do tons of paperwork. Otherwise, my experience has been primarily dermatology, allergy/immunology, Occupational Medicine, and Employee Health. They said there will be a new grad questionnaire that I will need to fill out when I arrive. Any idea what that may be? I would appreciate any input you all can share as to what I may expect with this type of interview, and tips on what/how to prepare. I am excited, yet anxious. The interview is with the ER Director, Manager, and Assistant Manager. Thank you

[happyinillinois]

Give yourself credit!! Without knowing any of your clinical skills, you are bringing maturity, commitment, prioritzation and the ability to handle many things at the same time (school and work). Make a list of ALL the skills you have and you will be amazed! Good luck!

[Nancy06]

Thank you. Yes, after some time to reflect and think about the interview, I'm a bit less stressed. It has been such a struggle since passing boards in January and NOT getting any responses from applications. It gets you down after a while. Thanks again for the positive message. :)

[newRNAllie]

I know what you mean...I graduated last year and haven't been able to get into a new grad program either. It is very discouraging, but don't take it personally and pat yourself on the back for getting an interview! That's great! I don't have any experience in an ER, but here's my two cents worth....

I would imagine that working in the ER is about being able to make immediate assessments (often without any medical records on that patient) so emphasize your experience with lots of different kinds of patients. It's probably also about being able to keep your cool and prioritize tasks, which I'm sure you have done as an LVN. Maybe have some examples fresh in your mind - ways you dealt with difficult situations or patients, etc.

They might also want to hear about a challenge you faced in nursing school and how you dealt with it. And/or a mistake you've made and how you rectified it. They will also probably want to figure out how much of a team player you are (things move fast in trauma cases, right?) and whether you are going to stay at the facility for a while. So reassure them about that. I think of an interview as a two way street...you want to find out as much about them, as they do about you. So be prepared with some questions, in case they ask you at the end if you have any. I would want to know about training, support, mentoring and further education opportunities, etc. These were just some thoughts off the top of my head...good luck!!!

[Nancy06]

Thank you so much for your input. All very good points. I've actually gotten to pen and paper and have checked out several websites for interview tips. I have a calm demeanor and hope that it will help me during the interview. Writing things down is helping and I just hope not to go blank when the questions begin! Thank you again and I wish you the best on your search for a position. :)