Job Interview questions, help!

TazziRN, RN · May 11, 2006

For sure they will ask why you want to work on that particular unit, may ask what you can bring to them. They will probably give you a scenario and ask how you would handle it.

truern · May 12, 2006

Relax:p

During my hour-long interview she asked "Why are you interested in this hospital, this unit?" That's the total of the "interview" type questions she asked :)

I have heard from other students, though, that they were given scenarios, etc....but honestly, I don't see how you could possibly prepare for every possible scenario.

Just relax, smile, and be personable.

TazziRN, RN · May 12, 2006

The scenario questions are usually common-sense questions. Example: when I interviewed for the ER I was given a scenario of a gang banger as a pt, and the friends inundated the ER.....how do I handle that?

HurleyGirlie1964 · May 14, 2006

Well more specifically should I be prepared to handle questions like "can u trace a drop of blood through the heart?' or drug questions? And I ve had several nurse managers call me and they have decided to interview all at once coming from multiple units....gulp! lol Any thing I should definintly be prepared to answer?

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · May 14, 2006

They may ask you about situations dealing directly with patient care while you were in clinicals. Something like "Tell me about a time when you went above & beyond for a patient" or "Tell me about a situation that stands out while you were in clinicals." Of course the usual "Tell me your strengths, tell me your weaknesses or why did you go into nursing."

I've been on a few interviews & they didn't ask me drug questions or anatomy type questions during the interview. You might run into that if they require you to take a test...depends on the unit I suppose. I work in PCU...we had questions on a test related to critical thinking, math equations and EKG strips.

Good luck with the interview(s)!

all4schwa · May 14, 2006

i wouldn't expect anything that is a test question, if you are licened, they assume you are competent in that respect. but the kinds of questions that i was asked in my interview a couple of weeks ago were...

tell me about a time you have had to serve as a patient advocate?

have you ever had to bend or break the rules?

what is the sickest patient you've ever cared for?

have you had to deal with unsatisfied family members?

what stood out to you in your clinical experiences, what did you enjoy?

the first question will be...tell me about yourself, but don't expect them to say specifically, "name your strenghts and weaknesses. I told them about me and my interests and whatnot, to which they asked--and if we were to ask your classmates, would they say the same thing?

i hope this helps you!! g.luck!!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 14, 2006

Managers interviewing new grads, if they have any experience at interviewing new grads, know that new grads do not have much experience at any nursing skills and therefore tend to stay away from that subject. They might ask what skills you have had a chance to do, but it's mostly to see how you answer the question because they already know the answer. If you are being raked over the coals about nursing knowledge and feel like you're being given the third degree or an oral exam, I would think hard and long about taking a job with that person as your boss. Once you are hired, the nursing educators of the hospital will take you in hand and get you oriented to what you need to know and your preceptors will set you on the right road. You may be asked if you know what goes on in the burn unit, rehab or peds. Be honest. If you haven't been in a burn unit tell them that. If you only had two days in a peds rotation tell them that. Believe me, these people know that new grads have no work experience in most of these units. Their only reason for interviewing you is to assess your personality and character. By the same token, you must also do the same. Don't take a job with a manager who you felt uncomfortable with in their interview with you.

By the way, the burn unit is a high stress, high turn over unit. Nurses burn out quickly on these units. Ask what their nurse turn over rate is. I'm surprised they would be willing to hire a new grad for a unit like that. If I were you I'd do a little background studying of what goes on in burn nursing and ask them a few questions.