interview.... not really an interview imo

[deelpn85]

hi everyone,

well, today I had my first interview EVER and it was not what I expected.

I walked in and filled out an application. while I filled it out the DON walked by me, said hello and asked me what position I was applying for and then asked if I could wait 20 mins and be interviewed by her and 2 others. I said yes of course.

so, the entire interview was about the facility and how great it was. I felt that they were tring to convince me to work for them instead of me convincing THEM for an opportunity.

at the end of the "interview" the DON said I had a great first impression and a very well written cover letter and resume.

they basically asked me when I graduated and my references. that's it!

I have no idea what to think.

what do you all think?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If this so-called interview occurred at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, it would be considered normal in my area. Where I live, the LTCFs are desperate for nurses and tend to have immediate staffing needs. The DON and hiring managers cannot be too selective by hammering the potential candidate with stressful questions about their personal viewpoints and qualifications, or else the applicant might feel uncomfortable and apply somewhere else. They cannot afford to lose any licensed nurse who walks through their doors.

Instead, the DON and hiring managers might ask simple questions. Why do you want to work for our facility? When do you think you can start?

These people also spend an inordinate amount of time trying to 'sell' the facility to you by emphasizing how wonderful of a place it is to work.

[elkpark]

If this so-called interview occurred at a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, it would be considered normal in my area. Where I live, the LTCFs are desperate for nurses and tend to have immediate staffing needs. The DON and hiring managers cannot be too selective by hammering the potential candidate with stressful questions about their personal viewpoints and qualifications, or else the applicant might feel uncomfortable and apply somewhere else. They cannot afford to lose any licensed nurse who walks through their doors.

Instead, the DON and hiring managers might ask simple questions. Why do you want to work for our facility? When do you think you can start?

These people also spend an inordinate amount of time trying to 'sell' the facility to you by emphasizing how wonderful of a place it is to work.

That was my first thought as well -- was this a LTC facility at which you "interviewed"? My understanding is that, in my area, the LTCs are more interested in talking applicants into coming to work there than in "weeding out" anyone. :)

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree; if you have a pulse and a license, they usually take you with almost no questions. It sounds to me like they have issues with state compliance and are trying to reel nurses in like fish.

[Coastie_wife]

That definitely sounds like a standard LTC interview to me. I have never been interviewed for a LTC position and not been hired on the spot. Of course, pending reference and background checks, but a job offer made. As someone else said they will usually ask some basic questions but generally talk up the facility a lot. To me, the ones that spend most of the time telling you how wonderful the facility is are the ones to watch out for. If they need to sell the facility to you, to me it sends the message that they are desperate for people and there has to be reasons they are not retaining their staff.

[deelpn85]

thanks for all your input.

my interview was for a position as an lvn at a mental health facility.

after being interviewed I pretty much knew I did not want to work there. I would have 60 pts ALL for myself. mainly meds, but still, 60!

they said that they will check my background and references, but didn't say I was hired.

[cursenurse]

I have had interviews that consisted of "so what shift do you want to work?" and that's it. You know it's bad then!

[Jolie, BSN]

An interview is a 2-way street. The employer seems to have gained the information they need to know about you, with the possible exception of checking references and verifying licensure.

But it doesn't sound as if you have gained the information you need to know about the employer, such as staffing, ratios, orientation, working conditions, continuing education, etc. If that is the case, I would strongly recommend scheduling a second interview during which you can ask pointed questions of them to determine whether their facility meets your needs and interests.

Good luck!

[penguin2]

You know it's not a good place to work when they offer you the job on the spot & never say "pending references"! This means they don't check references at all on anyone & you get all kinds of problem people & high staff turnover. I found this out the hard way & would never accept a job where they seem TOO eager to hire!! (these are the same employers that lie in the interview & make all kinds of promises & never deliver). Always get everything IN WRITING!!