Just had my first interview...

Nurses Job Hunt

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Just had an interview today! will find out answer by Friday!

Meanwhile, I am having trouble writing the thank you letter..because I'm not sure if I really want to work here yet - still thinking.

I am not trying to be picky in this job market, but the orientation program made me feel a little unsafe for a new grad. I interviewed with the med-surg & cardiac tele unit. It is a local acute care hospital ~300+ bed. They give you 2 weeks at day shift, and 2 weeks at night shift. Then you're pretty much on your own. Med surg ratio - 1:5, Tele - 1:4 with occasional drip patient.

I still want to thank them for their time obviously, but next should say how I believe I will be a great candidate for the job, hope to hear from them soon?

what if I decide to decline later, would I be leaving a bad impression by sounding like I want the job but decline it?

also, I forgot to ask this during interview, I hope to have a chance to have a tour on the unit if I am offered the position before I make the decision.. is okay to ask this? if yes, when and who should I ask? I had a panel interview with few manager & HR - so I don't know which unit will be hiring yet.

Thank you so much for your help in advance!

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My thank you letters are usually something similar to this:

Dear (Interviewer),

Thank you for interviewing me on (Date). I enjoyed meeting with you and appreciate the courtesy you extended to me.

My interview experience was very positive. I very much enjoyed speaking with you about the opportunity to work with your company in the role of a (Position title). (Company Name) is an impressive organization. It was a pleasure to meet with you, and I appreciate your consideration of me as a candidate.

I am look forward to hearing from you soon.

Once offered a position you can ask for a tour and for a couple of days to decide if you want the position.

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thank you so much martinml!! I didn't get to see your post in time.. but yours sounded much better than the one I came up with, I'll keep it for the future :)

meanwhile, I was offered a position!! But I have 2 questions, I hope you can give me some advice.

I was at work when the HR called, so the conversation was short, it was literally “we're offering you a position, I need you to come in next week to go over some paper work and you start on the 27th. Call me on Monday to make an appointment.” It sounded like the HR thought I had already accept the position - though I didn't really get to say anything yet.

1. When I call HR back on Monday, should I ask for a tour first, then schedule with HR? or schedule with the HR first then ask for a tour during the meeting?

2. If I accept the offer, because I’ve been out of school for awhile now –1.3 years – I thought about asking if I could shadow or volunteer to be a CNA on the floor just to familiar myself with the floor & basic patient care before I actually start even just for a shift or two? Is it appropriate to make such request? Should I ask the question to HR or the unit manager? Or should I make the request after the orientation start?

This hospital only give 4 weeks of one-on-one then you're on your own. My preceptorship rotation (Spring 2011) was in general Ped, so I really haven’t be on an adult med surg floor for a LONG time now (Fall 2009). I am worried I won't be able to catch up in just 4 weeks.

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thank you so much martinml!! I didn't get to see your post in time.. but yours sounded much better than the one I came up with, I'll keep it for the future :)

meanwhile, I was offered a position!! But I have 2 questions, I hope you can give me some advice.

I was at work when the HR called, so the conversation was short, it was literally “we're offering you a position, I need you to come in next week to go over some paper work and you start on the 27th. Call me on Monday to make an appointment.” It sounded like the HR thought I had already accept the position - though I didn't really get to say anything yet.

1. When I call HR back on Monday, should I ask for a tour first, then schedule with HR? or schedule with the HR first then ask for a tour during the meeting?

2. If I accept the offer, because I’ve been out of school for awhile now –1.3 years – I thought about asking if I could shadow or volunteer to be a CNA on the floor just to familiar myself with the floor & basic patient care before I actually start even just for a shift or two? Is it appropriate to make such request? Should I ask the question to HR or the unit manager? Or should I make the request after the orientation start?

This hospital only give 4 weeks of one-on-one then you're on your own. My preceptorship rotation (Spring 2011) was in general Ped, so I really haven’t be on an adult med surg floor for a LONG time now (Fall 2009). I am worried I won't be able to catch up in just 4 weeks.

I thinking asking for a tour or to shadow an RN would be appropriate but I would NOT ask to be a CNA on the floor. You are being offered an RN position and if you ask to work CNA duties it will look like you are unsure of yourself as an RN. Its normal to be nervous, and you have every right to ask for additional orientation after the initial 4 weeks, but don't come into the position asking for these things.

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