Interview on Tuesday

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Specializes in Oncology, ER/Trauma, Prev Med.

I have an interview on Tuesday. The position is for a hospitalist type NP position in a local hospital working from 10a-10p. I graduated in May 2008 and made the decision not to immediately begin working as a NP following graduation. How do I combat the usual question/comment regarding wanting someone with NP experience? I have had my FNP Board Certification with the ANCC since September 2008, and I need to get some experience. I had an interview about a month ago and pretty much was told, "We're looking for someone with experience." I don't know how to combat this comment. I know that I can impress them if they give me a chance. Yes, I will need some OJT, and it will take a few months for me to get up-to-speed initially, but I will catch on. Any suggestions from some of you more seasoned veterans out there?

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I would be very honest up front about your reasons for not working, whatever those are. I would also come prepared with documentation of any continuing ed you've done since graduation/certification. If all else fails and you really want the job, offer to work at a reduced "training wage" for a period of time with the (written) assurance that your salary will be bumped up to $____ after that time. That demonstrates your willingness to prove yourself to them and your interest in the job.

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You can mention your RN experience and assure them that if a situation arises where you do not feel comfortable making treatment decisions you will contact your collaborating physician. Also mention all of the reference materials you have and are familiar with that you plan to consult when you need to verify your treatment decisions.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree to be up front with the interviewers and state something like "I wanted to ensure that I took the job that I could excell in"....something along those lines.

If there was a family reason (like you had a baby or had to take care of a family member) I probably wouldn't mention that.

I also don't think its unusual in this day and age and economy to say that "the job market has been tight" and let it go like that.

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Specializes in Oncology, ER/Trauma, Prev Med.

Well there are several factors...

1. My husband is AD Army and I didn't want to take a position not knowing what the Army was going to do with him. It appears that the Army is going to leave him where we are, so I am now ready to move forward with a position since we are in a stable place.

2. I had a baby 9 months ago and since he is bigger, I feel that I can take a position without the fear of him getting sick constantly. You all understand that fear.

3. I stayed at my current facility because of the promise from my current nursing management promising me that they would find a way to get me a NP position at my current facility. Well turns out that those were false hopes and I was promised something that never turned into anything. Basically empty words, and I was left with nothing.

I realize its time to move on and find something that I can sink my teeth into because I am going nowhere here. I have to look out for myself. I am worried about what the future holds, but I am hopeful of what's out there. I know that eventually I will find the perfect job for me and my family. I am scared that I have lost a lot of my medication knowledge and some of my clinical skills, but I am hoping it will all come back once I'm back around patients. It's a scary thought, but I know I can do it.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

In a hospitalist program - you will probably (hopefully) ask for a protracted orientation and MD back-up. It might take several months to get credentialled anyway so this will give you some time to get back up to speed

BTW - I too was a military wife for years and know all about the transient nature of the job.....thanks for YOUR service too.

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