Interviewing with your peers

[MomRN0913]

It's a weird situation. I am going on an interview for a NM in the hospital I used ot work at, where I started my career. I was told I would be interviewing with the other nurse managers. One was my old nurse manager, and one is a collegue I worked side by side with until 6 months ago where we both went ont o become NM, me at a different facility, and him in a different unit. I know most of the other managers and people who will be interviewing me. But for some reason, I am more nervous than if I didn't know them! Maybe because they all know me as a bedside nurse, or maybe because I know I can't BS them....j/k.

I am so nervous for many reasons, as in I really NEED this job and I know I have to impress majorly, because these people know me and it's where I built my career, albeit it short, 5 years.

It would be pretty neat however, as there are 3 units on the 5th floor..... the ICU where I came from, and I am friendly with the manager, a PCU.telemetry unit, managed by my former coworker, and then the other tele unit, which I am interviewing for. And we were all pretty close.

I just know I need to ace this one big time, without the BS. I need help!!!!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

What kind of things do they usually ask or look for? Do you know? I think having a history working with them would be a good thing. You know what their quirks are, and maybe some hot topics to stay away from??

Good luck and I hope you get the job!

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Just prepare yourself...have a friend give you a mock interview. if you are applying for a managment position there are so many questions you can anticipate that they may ask. How do you plan to deal with interpersonal conflict between staff members? Why are you interested in this position? What is your style of communication? How do you personally deal with stress? What are your 3 top strengths and weaknesses? What is the single most important trait that a successful nurse manager should have? I could go on and on BUT search your soul for those answers. I always look for someone that has passion and gets along well with others. I interviewed someone the other day that we voted not to hire..she had no passion...no spark..no energy

[fancyhen]

I recently had to give similar advice to a nurse that I work with. It worked great for her and hopefully for you too.

My best advice is to go into the interview as if they DON'T know you. That may sound strange, but it's too easy to assume that they already know your good points and may over look your weaker points. Go into the interview prepared to discuss your experience and what unique skills you bring to the table. They may not know some great things that would would tell a stranger who was interviewing you. Be prepared for the usual type questions (what you see as your strengths and areas where you want to improve: situations where you have had to handle difficult situations etc) and NEVER say "You know how I work".

On the positive side, you already know the philsophy of the facility and what they value in their employees. Use that knowledge to your advantage. Be professional and WOW them with your professionalism and how much you have grown in your roles since you left.

Good luck!!

[MomRN0913]

Thanks for the good advice. I think I will pretend like I don't know them. i was thinking about calling my friend and asking him how his interview went and what to anticipate. I am going to spend today and wednesday practicing. I normally get nervous at interviews. I have gotten alot better at them. I am one of those people with personality, so I have been told, I try to use it to my advantage.

One thing did strike me today. My ex husband came to pick up our daughter this morning, and asked said "well, you got a few more days off until your interview. I said, yeah, I know, I am nervous, interviewing with everyone I know, i can't BS them." He, who does not hand out compliments, actually said to me "You don't need to BS, you know your stuff" Well, at least he respects me as a nurse. So, I am going to go in there with what I know and tell them honestly what I don't, being only 6 months into a NM position in a wacky place, let them know what I have to offer and let them know I have what it takes to learn.