Interview on Monday

[aunttae]

I graduated with my BSN last May. I have been working as an OB nurse for the last year. I love my job, but the I have over an hours drive to get there. The drive, along with 28 hours of manditory on call hours a month is killing me. I was called for an interview for a head district nurse position. I was wondering if I have enough experience as a nurse to take this job if offered? What do you all think?

Secondly, I have been reading through past threads looking for interview help. I have been reading up on various issues such as ADHA, epi pens, DM etc as suggested by other post. My questions is: What questions should I be asking?

Finally, I am being interviewed by a teacher, 2 LPN's that currently work in the district ( and were turned down for the head district nurse job) , and the superintendent. I have never been interviewed by a group. I am very intimidated. I have 2 bachelors degrees (Psych & Nursing), my RN, and one year of experience. The LPN's have been there for sometime now. If I get the job, I will be over the LPN's. I cant imagine being turned down for a job that you have experience in, only to have to pick your next boss who has limited experience. Does this sound like a bad situation?

Thanks for listening. I am confused.

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

I don't know what state you're from, but in PA you need to be certified to be a school nurse and LPN's would not be able to qualify for the job, so don't feel bad. The LPN's with the experience could be a great help to you though. You need to go to your states dept. of health website and find what is mandated for schools-screenings, immunizations, etc. One thing to be aware of in an interview is that schools are NOT health care oriented, they are education oriented. You want to make sure that they know you will work together with the educators for the best outcome of the students. Your job (unlike acute care) is to promote health, manage illness and keep kids in school where they can learn. School nursing is a type of community health nursing. Don't be intimidated by being interviewed by a group. They're not out to intimidate you, just get to know you. Remember again though, they are not health care people. They don't understand "our" language. Also, if you get a job in the schools you will soon find out that you don not understand "their" language-the terminology of education. You will have a great adventure learning all of it. If you google SCHL-RN listserv, you will find a nice listserv just for school nurses and you should be able to search the archives for more advice on interviewing.

GOOD LUCK! Being a school nurse is the best job I have ever had!