Interview this week!

[JG1977]

Hello fellow nurses! thank you in advance for any advice. I have an interview this week for a job that I am completely excited about - high school RN.

I used to work for the public school system years ago as a specialist with ages 3-18. I decided nursing was more the career path I wanted to take. I have worked as a triage nurse the past 6+ years in a specific specialty. I miss the school system and want to go back in this new role. I know quite a bit about the (adult) specialty I work in, but I am nervous about the specific school triage rn questions they might ask. I have a solid resume, letter of intent and references. I usually interview well until that point and then I freeze up.

Would anyone care to share those "what would you do" or "who do you treat first" scenarios they have experienced during an interview for school RN? Also, any tidbits (who can you delegate to in a school?).

Again, any info is much appreciated! thank you and have a wonderful (and safe) school year ahead!

[MHDNURSE]

I think your triage experience should prepare you for any type of questions about prioritizing. I recently interviewed a nurse for a high school position and this is what we asked her:

Scenario 1: A newly diagnosed type I diabetic student is enrolling. What steps do you take to ensure this student has the proper care throughout the school day before classes begin?

Sample Response:

Set up/coordinate a meeting with the parent and student to determine how well the student and family are managing. Also to get MD orders, carb insulin ratio, and any additional required documents.

Determine their knowledge of the disorder and their ability to care for themselves.

Notify the social worker and child study team for a 504 plan.

Notify the students teachers and staff and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hyper and hypoglycemia.

Scenario 2: A parent brings her well child the first day of school without a physical, health history or documentation of mandatory vaccines. What do you do?

Sample Response:

Inform the parent that at the very least documentation of all mandatory immunizations must be presented before being allowed to start classes, a physical and health history must also be submitted as soon as possible.

Scenario 3: A new student with severe food allergies is enrolling. What are some steps you can take to ensure this student's dietary needs are accounted for at all times?

Sample Response:

Provide parent with necessary documents (Allergy care plan…etc…)

Inform food services staff and teacher of students dietary needs

Providing health care to students is an unpredictable job. Describe what you think you will enjoy about this role, and what some of your challenges might be.

We have a lot of students with unique medical issues and teachers have a lot to keep track of. What are some creative ways you could help teachers keep track of student health issues?

In many cases, you may be dealing with students who have special needs. What is your background with these students?

There are many different situations that require emergency medical assistance. What would you do in the case of a severely allergic student who was exposed to an allergen?

Beyond medical situations, there may also be times when you get access to other information. What would you do if you suspected a child was being abused?

How will you manage multiple files with cumulative information?

Hope this helps a bit :) Let us know how it goes.

[GdBSN, RN]

It really depends on who will be interviewing you. If it is administration, with no medical background, they will want to know that you will follow school policy, try resolve matters on your own before bringing issues to them, try to reduce lost instructional time when dealing with clinic visits.

If you are being interviewed by a nurse/nurse manager, they will want to know that you will ensure all proper documentation is provided and completed. They may ask you about specific conditions like diabetes, food allergies, asthma, and immunizations. In high school, you will be dealing with a lot of emotional issues. Be able to discuss how you would deal with frequent flyers and the steps you would take to try to reduce clinic visits from FF.

Best of luck to you!

[OldDude]

Good stuff to take with you above!! Don't wear scrubs or cowboys boots to the interview. Good Luck!!

[kummerspeck]

I think your triage experience should prepare you for any type of questions about prioritizing. I recently interviewed a nurse for a high school position and this is what we asked her:

Scenario 1: A newly diagnosed type I diabetic student is enrolling. What steps do you take to ensure this student has the proper care throughout the school day before classes begin?

Sample Response:

Set up/coordinate a meeting with the parent and student to determine how well the student and family are managing. Also to get MD orders, carb insulin ratio, and any additional required documents.

Determine their knowledge of the disorder and their ability to care for themselves.

Notify the social worker and child study team for a 504 plan.

Notify the students teachers and staff and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hyper and hypoglycemia.

Scenario 2: A parent brings her well child the first day of school without a physical, health history or documentation of mandatory vaccines. What do you do?

Sample Response:

Inform the parent that at the very least documentation of all mandatory immunizations must be presented before being allowed to start classes, a physical and health history must also be submitted as soon as possible.

Scenario 3: A new student with severe food allergies is enrolling. What are some steps you can take to ensure this student's dietary needs are accounted for at all times?

Sample Response:

Provide parent with necessary documents (Allergy care plan…etc…)

Inform food services staff and teacher of students dietary needs

Providing health care to students is an unpredictable job. Describe what you think you will enjoy about this role, and what some of your challenges might be.

We have a lot of students with unique medical issues and teachers have a lot to keep track of. What are some creative ways you could help teachers keep track of student health issues?

In many cases, you may be dealing with students who have special needs. What is your background with these students?

There are many different situations that require emergency medical assistance. What would you do in the case of a severely allergic student who was exposed to an allergen?

Beyond medical situations, there may also be times when you get access to other information. What would you do if you suspected a child was being abused?

How will you manage multiple files with cumulative information?

Hope this helps a bit :) Let us know how it goes.

-What they said.

When I interviewed for my position...and I think I interviewed four times with different people. FOUR. Not.one.had.a.medical.background. So they have no idea if I can actually do the job they hired me for. It was the weirdest thing. Our head nurse is working to change that, but it was just so weird. None of their questions really delved into the "what you actually do as a school nurse" arena.

Best of luck to you!

[JG1977]

Thank you everyone!!! I sincerely appreciate all the feedback. I just got home from work and plan on researching even more tonight!! I know I am meeting with the director of HR, but not sure if there will be anyone else there. I wish the nerves would not get the best of me.

Will keep you all posted. Would love to join the school nurse community!