Job interview... what you ask?

pinkestar · Dec 20, 2008

Sounds like you have a few good questions lined up. Getting a job on a unit that is a good fit for you is vital. A few other questions I found helpful:

-Is it common for the nurses to float to different units?

-If I don't feel that I'm getting the most I should be from my preceptor, or we don't make a good fit, what steps would I take and what would be done to improve the situation?

-How flexible is the orientation schedule? If, at the end of my orientation, I feel I am not quite ready to work independently, can be be extended?

-How often will I be meeting with my manager and/or educator to discuss how my orientation is going?

-What opportunities will I have for continued learning at this facility? i.e. certifications, seminars, tuition reimbursement

I would also suggest talking to the nurses working the units that you are interested in. I was lucky enough to do my clinical rotations at a variety of hospitals and units. As I was beginning to think of where I might want to work I spoke with many of the nurses, asking straight out if they would recommend working on the unit, how long they have been there, etc. I learned a LOT that way and it was very easy to see which facilities had the most sincerely satisfied employees. Of course that should not determine your decision, but I found it was a factor...and quite a reliable one at that! I absolutely love my job! Good luck to you.

Nicole

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 20, 2008

Be sure you focus much (most?) of your questions on the patients, their needs, resources to meet those needs, etc. It looks bad to the hiring manager if you seem only intereted in "What's in it for me?" type of questions. It's OK to ask some questions about working conditions, but they should not be the focus of your first interview. Managers want to see that you are interested in the patients, in meeting their needs, and doing the type of work that they are looking to hire someone to do.

After you have impressed them with your interest in the patients ... then you can ask a few questions about the working conditions. It's even better if you save some of those questions until AFTER they offer you the job. After they decide they want you and offer you the job, then you are in a better position to ask questions that will help you decide whether or not you really want that particular job. "Thank you for the job offer. I am so excited. It sounds like just the type of work I want to do. However, before I make a final decision, I have a few questions about the work environment. Could you please tell me ...." That's the ideal way for it to happen.

pinkestar · Dec 20, 2008

llg is absolutely right about presenting yourself as most interested in the patients and their care. I realize I didn't emphasize that in my earlier post. Because of the shortage, when I was interviewing at local hospitals around here last year, a job offer was practically a given with each interview. I was offered a job at every facility I applied to (as were most of my classmates).

For many new grads, the first job, the quality of your orientation there, and the support you receive are absolutely vital to succeeding in nursing and being happy with your career. So do be sure to learn all you can about what the jobs will be offering to you for support and orientation...after the interviewee understands that your first priority is patient care. Again, good luck, keep us updated!

Nicole

Epona · Dec 20, 2008

Thanks everyone!! :clown: Those are some GREAT tips and I will definitely refer back to this thread when the interviewing begins soon! You all are the best! :yeah:

Happy holidays!! :reindeer::stocking: