Interview for Neuroscience and Spine Unit

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2011

I worked ortho/neuro for many years. Basically, you have do know how to do neuro checks(orientation questions for person/time/place, numbness or tingling that's new or moving around, checking hand grasps and wiggling toes.), what precautions are there for spinal patients (things like checking for log roll orders, knowing how to move the patient-have them roll to side before pushing with arms as they bring legs down, no bending/lifting/twisting.) All round basic nursing knowledge. Good luck, I hope you get it! Do they get CVAs as well is a good question to ask.

optimistic_newgrad · Dec 31, 2011

Hi, I am a new grad as well. I got a job at a large hospital on their neurosurgery/ neurology unit in southern california. The new grad program starts in Feb. During my interview, they asked the generic interview questions, tell me about yourself, why do you want to be a nurse, tell me about a time you had a challenge and overcame it, why neuro? They told me they look for new grads that will be open minded, dedicated, energetic, flexibile. They know neuro is a challenging unit and its going to be hard. They want us to ask all the questions we have about patient care. They said some new grads come in thinking they know everything and dont ask questions and thats a huge red flag for them. When the director called and offered me the job, she said she really like my attitude, and energy. I also completed my CEU's on neuro patients and put that on my resume that I brought it. I also included it in my "tell me about myself" part. I also completed my NIH stroke scale A, which they were impressed I had the cert already. Is the hospital your interviewing for a Stroke Center? If it is, make sure you get your stroke scale cert, its free and you do it all online and can print the cert right away. I did not have any scenario questions. Good luck!!!!

optimistic_newgrad · Dec 31, 2011

I'm a new grad RN and I'm starting to get discouraged because I've applied at several places and had a few interviews and haven't landed an RN job yet. I have an interview this week for a neuroscience and spine unit at a fairly large hospital. I really want to land this position! Do any of you have any advice for me? What qualities are they looking for in a nurse on a neuro unit?

Hi, I am a new grad as well. I got a job at a large hospital on their neurosurgery/ neurology unit in southern california. The new grad program starts in Feb. During my interview, they asked the generic interview questions, tell me about yourself, why do you want to be a nurse, tell me about a time you had a challenge and overcame it, why neuro? They told me they look for new grads that will be open minded, dedicated, energetic, flexibile. They know neuro is a challenging unit and its going to be hard. They want us to ask all the questions we have about patient care. They said some new grads come in thinking they know everything and dont ask questions and thats a huge red flag for them. When the director called and offered me the job, she said she really liked my attitude, and energy. I completed CEU's on neuro patients and put that on my resume that I brought it. I also included it in my "tell me about myself" part. I completed my NIH stroke scale A cert, which they were impressed I had the cert already. Is the hospital your interviewing for a Stroke Center? If it is, make sure you get your stroke scale cert, its free and you do it all online and can print the cert right away. I did not have any scenario questions. I think the most important thing is to make sure they know you will come to work with an open mind, eagerness to learn and flexibile. They also said during the interview, nursing is not just about getting along with patients anymore, it is equally important to get with co-workers and be a great team player. Good luck!!!! :w00t:Might sound cheesy, but right before I walked into the interview I told myself, I got this, I know I will be a great nurse, and this hospital would benefit from having me on their staff. LOL It helped me relax a little and gave me a boost of confidence. Take a deep breath while you are walking back into the interview.

Cls62011 · Jan 1, 2012

Thanks so much!! Your feedback deffinetly gave me confidence! The hospital is a Stroke Center so I am going to try to get that certification asap.

BlessedbyGodRN · Sep 21, 2012

I just went on an interview for a neurosurgery floor and the nurse manager and assistant nurse manager were both very impressed that I came in with the NIH stroke scale certificate. I wanted to tell you thank you sooooo much for bringing that to my attention. They offered me the position. I am a new graduate who got my FL RN license on 09/11/12 and got a job offer on 09/18/2012. I really think having the stroke scale clenched it for me.

Thank you very much.

ChaunceyRN · Oct 26, 2013

Hi there! I know it has been a while since this post- 2 years. Wondering if you're still in neurosurgery, and if you are, are you liking it? Is it all of what you're expecting it to be? I have an interview next week in a neurosurgery floor and I really want to land this job. What patient's do you see? And what type of nurses would be best suited for this floor? What knowledge on topics should i brush up on? Thank you so much for your help!