I had my first interview for a med-surg RN position. I was extremely nervous and they asked me a lot of questions that, in my opinion, were difficult to answer on the spot. They then asked me to come in and shadow a nurse for a day. I did that and unfortunately she was extremely busy, so I did not ask that many questions, because I didn't want to slow her down. Anyway at the end of the day they again asked me more interview questions, like what kind of questions did you ask today? Well I honestly was so nervous I couldn't remember. I had no idea an interview could be that hard.
It also seemed like they thought that I didn't know what a med-surg unit was like because I have been working in long term care, which is silly because I just graduated with my RN and spent six months on three different hospitals units.
I don't know what else I could have done. Would it be to forward for me to send an e-mail and ask why they didn't chose me? If it was one of my references then I want to know who they are so I don't use them again. And if it was for some other reason then I would like to know how I can improve for the next time.
the biggest suggestion i could ever give.. call and ask them what you could improve on. its a hit to the ego, but it works, and it shows initiative. (SP?) heck, if its in the same facility- ppl talk, it would even make you look better!
and GL! you will find whats right. maybe it didnt work because it wasnt meant for you!
They probably interviewed several people for the same position. Try not to think of it like they didn't choose you, but rather they chose someone else. They were obviously interested. Maybe they went with the person who had more experience, red hair that reminded them of their Aunt Nelda, or you may have just lost the coin toss.
I too was surprised by the grilling I got in some of my interviews. For myself I found that once I relaxed I did better. I agree with the other posters about dressing well and preparing, but I could tell that the more uptight I was the worse the interview went.
I think it is a good idea to thank them for the opportunity and then ask for feedback. Shows motivation, initiative and you may get some good info. Worse case - they don't get back to you.
A little OT and beside the point, but are you really that interested in a job that is two hours away anyway?
That was my thought! Sounds horrible!
But I also thought that perhaps they were picking between several qualified candidates and had to make a tough call. I'm sorry that you didn't get the job though. Good luck on your next interview!
I wouldn't commute two hours, I would move if I got the job=)
I did dress very professionally and feel I was prepared for the most part. I just wasn't prepared to answer those type of questions and with the little experience I have, it was difficult for me to give the answers I thought they were looking for. I am a terrible bser by the way!
Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement, I got a lot of great tips from everyone!
I went on this interview on a monday-had do drive two hours to get there. Drove home-another two hours that night, worked tuesday and Wednesday, drove two hours again on Wednesday night to be on time for the shadowing Thursday morning. So needless to say I was pretty burnt out. I tried not to show it and I did participate, I showed interest, I was friendly, and enthusiastic. I wasn't sure exactly where my role was. I helped answer call bells, turn patients, empty urinals. But I thought I was supposed to be observing so that is mostly what I did. If I was in orientation it would have been different. But your probably right. I did the best I could with what I had at that time and I guess it wasn't enough. So I will try harder next time. Thanks.
This really surprises me. The facility sets themselves up for a HUGE liability issue by allowing a non-employee to provide any hands-on patient care....and at their invitation. Eeeeep!
I agree that it's perfectly acceptable to contact the rep that conducted your interview process and ask for areas that you could improve on.
I didn't initially receive an offer for the first job I interviewed for either. They rejected me for the job, but offered me an opportunity to interview on a unit I was not interested in. The next day I received an offer for the second job I interviewed for at another hospital, so I called hospital #1 back and cancelled the interview for the undesired floor.
They have called back twice and emailed me 3 times with offers for the position that they originally rejected for. Too bad, I'm happy where I'm at.
The point is that you will end up where you are intended to be. I could not ask for a better and more supportive floor to work on. It is a busy and intense med/surg floor, but these folks fold thier wings around the young rather than eating them.
You will find the right place. Consider this a wake up call to be better prepared for the next interview.
you could email them and thank them for the opportunity but i would not ask why you weren't selected. they'll just give you some politically correct answer that will most likely mean nothing. let them see your enthusiasm by your positive, assertive thank you note......they can always call you back when another position is available. it might also get them to thinking what they let slip through their fingers. good luck on your job search. no doubt you'll find a good fit :heartbeat:heartbeat
good luck on your job search. no doubt you'll find a good fit :heartbeat:heartbeat
RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P
580 Posts
the biggest suggestion i could ever give.. call and ask them what you could improve on. its a hit to the ego, but it works, and it shows initiative. (SP?) heck, if its in the same facility- ppl talk, it would even make you look better!
and GL! you will find whats right. maybe it didnt work because it wasnt meant for you!
-H-RN