L&D interview questions and advice

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I have an interview tomorrow in L&D and I'm so excited, yet nervous. I have a BS in Health Education and the manager mentioned on the phone how glad she is to see I have a teaching background. I don't have any hospital experience, and that is my biggest obstacle. What should I expect in the interview? Any special qualities that make L&D nurses unique? ;)

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

As you may already know, a HUGE part of working in OB is doing pt teaching. Make sure to stress that you're aware of how much pt teaching there is, and that you feel uniquely suited to the job because of your education background. It's also okay to show your enthusiasm for the position. I think that, more than just about any other field of nursing, OB is a field that nurses feel "called to". It's okay to let her know that you feel OB nursing is a passion that you feel called to (if you feel that way, of course).

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I do feel "called to" OB. I'm glad you encouraged me to show my enthusiasm. I was worried it might seem overkill or desperate if I mentioned how passionate I am for OB.

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I have an OB interview on Friday! I am super excited too.... good luck to you and be sure to tell us how it went!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Please let us know how it goes today!

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I got it!!!! I'm soooo excited! I really don't want to jinx myself since I haven't gotten the formal offer from HR, but the Nurse Manager said she "wants" me and can tell I really have a true passion for L&D. She is very nice, and commented several times how impressed she is with my enthusiasm and she is looking for somebody exactly like me. She even walked me to HR to sign paperwork. She called employee health to see if they could arrange my physical today. She said we are just waiting for HR to do the background & ref check. They also have to figure out my salary. After that, we are set. Orientation starts in a month. I'm doing three 12s, 7pm - 7am. I will be crossed trained for PP, and their Level II Nursery. The hosp. will provide cert for NRP and STABLE.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Hopefully this is me in 6 months!!!! Congrats!!!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Wow, that's such great news! Congratulations!

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Congrats!!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

wow, congrats!

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congratulations, what was the format of the interveiw? did you get case scenerio questions?

any advise or tips?

How did you prepare?

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congratulations, what was the format of the interveiw? did you get case scenerio questions?

any advise or tips?

How did you prepare?

No case scenarios. I prepared by researching the hospital website and looked for key words in the job announcement, such as "family-centered nurse" "passionate" and "great communication skills". I used those words a lot when I interviewed. ;) I showed enthusiasm. I told her I was flexible with scheduling. I was upbeat. A quick learner. I mentioned a few books that I was interested in reading. Check the sticky on this forum. :up: She asked questions like what are your strengths? Weaknesses? What is your confidence and self esteem level on a 1-10 scale? Long term professional goals?

She seemed more interested in finding the right fit and personality. She wants nurses with a good personality because the clinical skills can be taught (in her words). Be personable and show the interviewer you can establish rapport. I feel that is always important. I broke the ice early.

Good luck.

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