Just got an interview for neurotrauma ICU!

[detroitdano]

I'm excited and scared all at the same time!

Got a call from the manager of a local neurotrauma ICU and she said she eliminated 40 candidates and has 10 left and I'm one of them. I'm going for my interview in 2 weeks.

I will be a brand new grad, but I'm comfortable with jumping into a new environment where you have to learn very quickly. I'm all about finding out new monitors, conditions, etc. and reading every resource available on them. It would be a huge jump from the 2 years of med/surg experience I've had as an extern, but I'm ready for the challenge if I get the job.

Any tips or pointers on what to expect the manager to ask me during the interview? You've all been there at one point, what were you asked?

She said the interview is an hour with her, an hour with the assistant manager, and then two hours on the floor mingling with nurses and seeing what it is they do. I've been in ICU's for a few clinical days shadowing, but don't want to walk in there like I know how do their jobs. What type of things should I be asking the nurses during that part of the interview?

Thanks so much guys!

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

In the neuro ICU where I work my interview was nothing like that. I only met the manager of the unit. He asked me questions that were like what would you do in certian situations. I did go out onto the floor and see what the patients were like. I remember seeing EVD's for the first time. Kind of intimidated me, but I was ready for the challange. I was offered the job basically on the spot.

[nuwbee25]

Hi is the position you are interviewing for a new graduate nurse program? I have an interview next week for a neuro ICU and I am terrified as well. From my understanding I will be meeting with the HR panel then the nurse manager and a peer review board.

[rabbitgirl75]

First of all relax!!! They saw something in your application that interested them. Dont make any mention of just getting ICU experience to help you meet and end goal like CRNA...they dont like to train people who are planning on leaving them. Use words like, atonomy, teamwork, and other positive words. Let them know that you will ask for help when you need it and help other as well. Strive for knowledge. Let them know that this is the only ICU you gave any thought to. Sell yourself... Also make sure you have an answer to questions like, what was a difficult situation that you have been in and how did you handle it? They love it when you give them a great answer that includes remaining calm and clear headed.

Hope this helped

~I graduate in may and was hired on the spot for neuro icu! best of luck.

[10ACGIRL]

First of all relax!!! They saw something in your application that interested them. Dont make any mention of just getting ICU experience to help you meet and end goal like CRNA...they dont like to train people who are planning on leaving them. Use words like, atonomy, teamwork, and other positive words. Let them know that you will ask for help when you need it and help other as well. Strive for knowledge. Let them know that this is the only ICU you gave any thought to. Sell yourself... Also make sure you have an answer to questions like, what was a difficult situation that you have been in and how did you handle it? They love it when you give them a great answer that includes remaining calm and clear headed.

Hope this helped

~I graduate in may and was hired on the spot for neuro icu! best of luck.

:nurse:My first interview was with the nurse manager and she did her share of questions then took me on a tour between the ICU units she is over. The second interview involed a panel of 5 RN's including herself. I hope to get the job out of the 3 girls that did the 2nd interview round!

[anniputski]

Hope you get the job! It's gotten so competitive it's scary!

[luvicu]

good for you!

[10ACGIRL]

gradcias