INTERVIEW HELP!!!!!

[maryterrell413]

Good morning everyone!

Here's a little back story......... I am a new nurse who graduated last year. I took the first job that was offered to me which was as a school nurse at an elementary school. Its been okay; the schedule has been nice, but I'm not getting challenged enough. I want to be able to use my skills and knowledge that I worked so hard for. But instead I'm just handing out peppermints and band-aids.

So, I began applying to hospitals all over the DFW area. RN positions and GN programs. And it was rejection after rejection because of my lack of experience. BUT I finally got selected for an interview! I know I don't have the job yet, I'm just so thankful! The position is for a GN Residency Program in the Emergency Department. I am thrilled because I absolutely loved my rotation through the ED during school.

My question is, do you have an interview tips? Tips in general or specific to the job, whatever you think might be helpful! I suspect it will be panel interview, but other than that I am completely at a loss and have no idea what to expect!

Sorry for the long post! Thank you in advance for your help! :)

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Show up early, dressed. Business casual

sell your self, ie: you enjoyed your ED clinical rotations.

be prepared to answer the question, "what is it about you, that would make you a good ER nurse?"

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Some common interview questions:

* Tell me about yourself

* What are your strengths and weaknesses? - have at least a couple of each. Never say you do not have any weaknesses. One that I used as a new grad (and you could use it, too!) would be my lack of experience but I spun it around and said I am a very fast learner. The panel loved that answer.

* Since you're leaving your current job, be prepared to explain why you are leaving. If you have any gaps in employment, be prepared to explain that as well.

* What motivates you?

* What qualities are essential to be an ER nurse?

They'll probably ask you a lot of behavioral-type questions, like how you dealt with a difficult patient/family member/situation, what would you do in x situation, tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient/family member, tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service, tell me about a time when you disagreed with a coworker, etc.

I cannot remember the last time I was actually asked a nursing type question that tested my actual skills/knowledge. Everything seems to be behavioral-based and based on customer service. Unfortunately, nursing has now become more of a customer service-oriented profession due to HCAHPS and EDCAHPS. In one of my recent interviews, I was told "you can learn how to be a nurse but we're also looking for individuals who have great customer service skills" or something along those lines (not those exact words).

I would do a search on this forum in regards to common nursing interview questions and also do a Google search. Also be sure to do your research on the company you are interviewing for and on the ER if at all possible. They might ask questions on why you want to work for this particular company or how you would fit in with their mission/values.

Good luck!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Several years ago I wrote the following Q&A piece on the most common nursing interview questions. Click on the link below if you wish to read it. Good luck!

https://allnurses.com/nursing-interview-help/how-to-answer-748905.html

[ixchel]

Business casual, definitely. I do think some people don't quite realize what that means. Think of a manager who always dressed sharply. Model that.

Google "performance based interview questions". Answer them. Make sure you read the weird lists, too.

You need to be polite, and you need to shine. Be confident talking about yourself, not arrogant. Any questions about weaknesses, give them a humble brag. "This may sound crazy, but I have a fierce attention to detail and a need to get everything done right the first time. The problem with that is that it gets overwhelming some times.

They don't know how scared you are. Deep and slow (discreet - no hyperventilating!) breaths will help calm you.

Do a practice drive to where you're getting interviewed around the same time of day. It's vital you actually know how long it will take.

I'll come back with more things.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Do a practice drive to where you're getting interviewed around the same time of day. It's vital you actually know how long it will take.

Cannot stress this point enough, especially if the location has a pretty large campus!