Let me start by saying that I know there are many areas of the country that are not hiring nurses right now, however, that is not the case where I live.
Here is my issue...
I really want to work in NICU. At this time, there are NICU positions posted at two hospitals. I've applied to both hospitals and yesterday, I got a call asking me to interview for postpartum. Here's my problem...
If I interview for the postpartum position and they offer me a job, do I take it since this isn't really my first choice or do I ask them to give me a week or so to think about it so I can explore my options regarding NICU. If I accept the position in postpartum, I will be "stuck" there 6 months before I can transfer to another department. I'm torn and don't know what to do.
In addition, she said they have a day, night, and PRN position open. My question is why are so many people leaving??? Please give me your !
Questions they asked in my interview and my responses included:
What are your strengths?
I have natural leadership abilities. I was the lead teacher at my school after only being there for 2 years. In addition, I'm a quick learner. I realize as a new nurse, I will have a lot to learn and if you will take the time to show me, I'll make a great RN.
What are your weaknesses?
I have trouble saying no, even if it means overwhelming myself. I have been working on this and I am beginning to find my voice. In addition, I am not confrontational so I dread the first time I encounter an irate physician.
How would you handle an irate physician or patient?
I would listen to their concerns and do my best to acknowledge their concerns and address them. I've learned that just by listening to others as the vent goes a long way!
Are you bilingual?
I can speak a very limited amount of spanish, but I know that using gestures and pictures can be helpful in communicating with patients. In addition, I know that they hospital provides interpretors if I need them. I related a story about a patient that my preceptor and I had taken care of. The just of the story is that when we pulled the patient up in bed, she got a wedgie. When my preceptor asked her the correct term for a wedgie, she giggled and repeated "WEDGIE"! The committee loved it. I think that response showed I had a sense of humor.
What is the biggest risk you've ever taken?
The biggest risk I've ever taken was quitting my job as a teacher making $42,000/yr to attend the Accelerated BSN program. I had no guarantees that I would make it through the program and I was paying $20,000 dollars for something I might not be successful at. It required myself and my family to make many sacrifices, but in the end I was very successful.
What are you looking for in the unit you go to work on?
Since my preceptor was a flex nurse (paid lots to float), I had the opportunity to see many units and teams working together. I realized that it is vital to find a unit that has excellent chemistry and good teamwork. In addition, I want a charge nurse that gets involved in patient care. Having a charge nurse that is aware of whether I'm sinking or swimming will be very important to me as a new nurse.
Do you have any questions for us?
I asked about nurse/pt. ratios, involvement of charge nurses, scheduling practices.
Hope this is what you were looking for. Good luck!
Specializes in LTC, PCU, Med/Surg, Hospice, OBGYN.
Congratulations!!! I'm happy that someone finally got the job they wanted. I just took a PRN Hospice job but definately not my 1st choice right now. I hope to get a Med/Surg job that I applied for and just be able to do both. I hope I get to pick the smiley face jumping up and down too in a few weeks. Will keep you posted.
UPDATE: After losing my home to a flash flood in IA, I had decided to try in NC again but in person, even though I had been denied many a times before because they "don't have any openings for New Grads right now."
After a lot of hard work (networking and using connections) I'm ecstatic to inform you that I have gotten offered a full-time PCU position in a hospital in NC!!!:anpom::anpom:
Thank you all for your prayers! :bowingpur God is GRAND!
!
:anpom:
LifelongDream
190 Posts
Questions they asked in my interview and my responses included:
What are your strengths?
I have natural leadership abilities. I was the lead teacher at my school after only being there for 2 years. In addition, I'm a quick learner. I realize as a new nurse, I will have a lot to learn and if you will take the time to show me, I'll make a great RN.
What are your weaknesses?
I have trouble saying no, even if it means overwhelming myself. I have been working on this and I am beginning to find my voice. In addition, I am not confrontational so I dread the first time I encounter an irate physician.
How would you handle an irate physician or patient?
I would listen to their concerns and do my best to acknowledge their concerns and address them. I've learned that just by listening to others as the vent goes a long way!
Are you bilingual?
I can speak a very limited amount of spanish, but I know that using gestures and pictures can be helpful in communicating with patients. In addition, I know that they hospital provides interpretors if I need them. I related a story about a patient that my preceptor and I had taken care of. The just of the story is that when we pulled the patient up in bed, she got a wedgie. When my preceptor asked her the correct term for a wedgie, she giggled and repeated "WEDGIE"! The committee loved it. I think that response showed I had a sense of humor.
What is the biggest risk you've ever taken?
The biggest risk I've ever taken was quitting my job as a teacher making $42,000/yr to attend the Accelerated BSN program. I had no guarantees that I would make it through the program and I was paying $20,000 dollars for something I might not be successful at. It required myself and my family to make many sacrifices, but in the end I was very successful.
What are you looking for in the unit you go to work on?
Since my preceptor was a flex nurse (paid lots to float), I had the opportunity to see many units and teams working together. I realized that it is vital to find a unit that has excellent chemistry and good teamwork. In addition, I want a charge nurse that gets involved in patient care. Having a charge nurse that is aware of whether I'm sinking or swimming will be very important to me as a new nurse.
Do you have any questions for us?
I asked about nurse/pt. ratios, involvement of charge nurses, scheduling practices.
Hope this is what you were looking for. Good luck!