Job Interview Monday...Any advice?

[*Renee*]

Hi everyone,

Well, since I'm nearing my graduation date from Nursing school (May 4), I figured it'd be a good time to get my foot in the door at a hospital and start working as a Patient Care Assistant until I get my RN license and can work as a nurse. So, I have an interview on Monday at a hospital I did a couple semesters of clinicals at and I'm really excited and hopeful.

So, does anyone have any interviewing advice for me? Questions I should ask, Questions I should be prepared for? I already sent my resume and cover letter, should I bring a copy of each or just my resume? I'll be interviewing w/ the Nursing Director on the floor, not the HR person I sent my resume to.

Some people have told me to be prepared for ??'s like: "Tell me a time you made decision that I didnt really agree with." Or "What new programs did I get started or what was a project that I started at my current or past job?" These are toughies for me since I haven been in school and a stay-at-home mom for the past 4 years (and out of work). I guess I could use clinical experiences to answer these ??'s, but it's hard to remember specifics.

I appreciate any advice you can give....I haven't been on an interview in a while, and never for a future "career" position. TIA!!

[hbncns35]

Hi Renee,

I just got finished posting some interview advice under another thread.

I can't quite remember the title of that thread though. check out member's list and see my last posting. My mother is a headhunter who owns her own business of 35 years. She has always guided me through the process and things that I have learned from her are posted on that thread. Quite lengthy so I don't want to repeat. Whatever you do, don't accept if they offer in the interview, you want to remain a little hard to get so they can realize your worth. You'll have plenty of offers and you want to be able to take a look at them and make a sound decision. It is awfully exciting to know someone wants you. Don't be too easy unless you are 100% sure that is what you want. As for interviewing questions - Google Nursing Interview questions on the web. You'll find plenty to be prepared on. Make sure you have around 5 questions to ask them. You never want to say "Oh, I don't have any questions." Of course you do - Make them thought provoking so they have a time in answering them. One question that is my favorite is "If I am hired for the position, how do you feel I will fit in with the rest of the nursing staff?" This question is always a tell tale sign in how they answer it to see if they are seriously considering you for the position. You are getting them to think more in terms of actually "seeing" you in that role. Good Luck and let me know how it goes...............Heather