Interviewing for ER position

Katnip, RN · Oct 17, 2005

You can't be too bad at interviewing since you already have a job.

Just be yourself. I don't know what you mean by too honest, but honesty is important.

Before the interview think carefully about why you want to be in the ER and prepare a good answer. That's probably one of the biggest questions.

Same for why you're choosing THIS hospital.

Try to relax, but your interviewers know you're going to be nervous.

KatieBell · Oct 17, 2005

Well, I would say to try to just be yourself- but....

I think you are asking for some different advices.

First thing to remember is that ALL the patients in the ED are not big gigantic traumas and MI's. Many many get admitted to M/S floors- or even just get discharged home. You have a lot of experience that can help you- prioritizing, knowledge of procedure preparation, etc. There are big gigantic emergencies- but in general, everywhere I've worked you learn to care for them and do it as a team.

There is nothing too special to say at an interview- emphasize your interest in working in the department, your interest in learning Emergency skills, and your flexibility.

It might help if you look up and find out when the classes for ACLS/PALS/TNCC are going to be in your area. That way if asked about those certifications- you can honestly say- I don't have them, but I know that there is a class in November for "TNCC" which I plan on taking.

Remember the while the NM might be excited to have a Trauma Diva, he/she is firstly looking for a nurse who can:

1. practice under stress

2.prioritize care

3.provide safe care

4. be flexible in schedule (aren't they all?)

5. get along with the existing staff.

6. Eager to learn, and expand knowledge.

You can do all that right?? So, just put your best foot forward. Avoid mentioning being inspried by any "emergency TV shows"... and remember you are also interviewing the manager:

Is it a place youwant to spend 12 hrs in a row?

Do the nurses work a team?

Is there floating out of the ED??

How will you be oriented? How long? Can you extend by a week if you need it?

Average staffing ratios.

Etc etc...

Good Luck and welcome to the waky world of Emergency Nursing.:)

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 17, 2005

Hello!
I'm an RN with a year of med-surg experience, no ER experience. I'm interviewing for ER and am desperate for suggestions/comments. I unfortunately am a terrible interviewer. I am not good at smooth talking, and don't have a particularly nice smile. I am honest, but maybe too frankly honest. I'm not good at talking myself up and don't have much to say to open ended comments or questions(not good at BSing). I'm the person that always stunk at essay type questions!
I am certain that a person with less skills and knowledge could get a position that I am better qualified for if they have better interview/BS skills.
I wish I could have one of those spy devices where someone can listen to my interview and tell me what to say! :chuckle
TIA

Hello, Kitty,:balloons:

This sounds like something that you could do.....Maybe you can ask someone to go to the chat room with you and practice the interview??? In the chat room, you can send each other instant personal messages and will be private. Or, you can let others critique you.

Just a thought.:)

Trauma Columnist · Oct 17, 2005

Siri - I like that idea. You are such a smart lady. I was thinking too of stressing during an interview that:

You like challenges.

You are eager to learn.

You have a wonderful sense of humor (always a plus).

You enjoy chaos.

You want to expand your knowledge base.

You like to help people and are interested in providing excellent customer service.

~Kitty~ · Oct 17, 2005

Thank you all for your wonderful responses. I will be trying to get on later today (Monday) to take you up on the practice interview in chat.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 17, 2005

Thank you all for your wonderful responses. I will be trying to get on later today (Monday) to take you up on the practice interview in chat.

Hello, kitty.:balloons:

If you want, I will be around today. Just send me a pm if you would like to go to the chat room and I will be happy to assist you. I check my email messages and pm often.