Interviewing Advice

So, I'm not sure what caused you to be in monitoring, which can kind of make or break your interview. However this is what I personally found to be helpful during the interview process, and in no way constitutes a great way to to conduct an interview, and there are many reasons why an interview may not go as planned or expected, and may or may not result in a job offer.... But, these suggestions are typically OK guidance....

1) Show up early...Do not ever go to an interview sliding in on your heels, it shows you do not plan accordingly and may show that your work reflects a "last minute attitude"

2) Show up looking like you REALLY want the job! Just because we are nurses doesn't mean you should show up to an interview in rumpled scrubs. Business casual/suit/dress for an interview (even as a floor nurse) can go a long way in showing you are committed to bringing your "A" game

3) Answer all questions honestly and openly, and be prepared! Interviews often throw out weird or random questions, or ask for examples of your past experiences....Practice practice practice! I find that many interviews were tanked not because of my recovery participation, but because I was not prepared. There are many websites that can help you with interview basics.

4) Be prepared to provide some decent references. This doesn't mean just giving your last hiring manager (who may have fired you) or your BFF...you need to make sure you seek out people who will answer the darn phone, and tell the hiring manager how great you were as an employee AND WHY!!!

5) Of course, the question everyone wants to know how to handle... Participation in a Peer Assistance Program... This is the most tricky! I Revealed to HR, to the phone interview, to whoever upfront and got shut down on so many occasions it's not even funny. But my next piece of advice goes back to WHY you are in monitoring. After getting shut down or no call backs because of my monitoring, I decided to do my own tests. (What could it hurt). So I waited till I got face to face interviews with the hiring managers, attempted to conduct the best interview of my life, outline my accomplishments and strengths...THEN, only after I felt I had a pretty successful interview I would discuss the giant PIG....MONITORING!!!! And I casually addressed it in this way (which was pertinent to me and my reason for being in monitoring, which you will need to adapt for your own circumstances)...I said at each interview with the hiring managers that I felt like was a very successful interview....."I would like you to be aware that I am a participant in a professional peer assistance program. With the exception of ____(fill in the blank)___ This should not impact my ability to perform the essential job functions required for this position". Often I got an "OK" they had no idea what I was talking about, and I got 3 job offers with this statement. The one job that sought further comment, I stated.."I had a slight problem with alcohol due to my depression over the very very recent death of my sister and cousin. I actively participate in my recovery process, and I continue to do everything required to fulfill my obligation to my peer assistance program. All that is required of you is to complete a few quarterly documents, and ___(narc restriction or whatever)____and I know that I will be one of the most dedicated employees you will have on your team".

And I ended up with probably the BEST JOB of my life!!!

Best wishes, and any other recommendations are certainly accepted!!!!

Mimi,

Excellent advice! Thank you very much!

So I'm in HAVEN, CTs monitoring program.. and they suggest letting the interviewer know about monitoring right before you exit the interview. IE; woo them with your experience first and then when they ask for questions, throw the monitoring program at them. Some people say to "sell it" as a great wellness program through The department of health.. but I think that's too much. 99% of employers are already going to know what monitoring is all about, so no need to fluff it.

Im about to get the okay to start interviewing for positions in the nursing field again (thank god) just remember to be confident :) good luck!!!