I have an interview at a methadone clinic!!

tara07733 · Nov 7, 2012

I would always wear a suit to an interview or at least something as close to a suit as I can get (dress pants and a nice button down shirt or blouse). The consignment shop is definitely a start with finding something. It doesn't have to be expensive.Make sure it's nicely pressed and clean. You're going to be competing with a lot of people, I'm sure. Go there looking the part of a professional adult.

tara07733 · Nov 7, 2012

Oh, and good luck!

DSkelton711 · Nov 7, 2012

Yup, black slacks with a white blouse (not see-through), with a black or muted red jacket or sweater. Not tight-fitting, but not too loose either. Black shoes and a small purse (not one you can carry a stove in). Have your ID and license at the ready, and a pen that works! Light makeup, but enough to show up under flourescent lighting. Firm handshake. Look them in the eye. Project confidence, but not cockiness. Be professional in manner and no gossip!! Good Luck!

ddunnrn · Nov 7, 2012

I agree with the previous posters that you dress professionally for the interview. While you are there, observe what the other staff are wearing, and ask your interviewer about the relevant policies, if you're still unsure. I've worked in a variety of psych/D&A facilities, and I always have worn street clothes, except no jeans, no fad types of t-shirts, no excess jewelry. As a male (allegedly) I don't have this issue, but I'd be careful with large dangly earrings that tend to get yanked or tangled in things. Your clientele may be of lower financial means, so it might be more respectful not to be too "showy" with your clothes. Good luck!

mommyof2Tees · Nov 7, 2012

.....and don't forget to send a "Thank you" for the interview card (or note). All the best to you. Keep us posted.

garnetgirl29, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2012

Thank you! I picked out a nice pair of black dress pants, a black belted cardigan with a muted green shell underneath & comfy black, closed-toe heels. I'm so nervous, but I hope this goes well! I spoke to & e-mailed back & forth with the lady I'm interviewing with and she seems very nice & well spoken.

I'll definitely ask about work attire. I just assumed I'd have to wear scrubs to work. I found out on the website that this facility closes over the holidays. That's a bonus!

historylovinglpn · Nov 8, 2012

I worked at a methadone clinic for almost 5-6 years. LOVED it. We didn't have to wear scrubs, just casual attire. Although some nurses still wore scrubs because, heck, that's what is in our closets! Jean to me is dressing up!

But for the interview I did business casual.

I would read up on methadone,heroin. That's primarily what I was asked. But most of it was asking me how I would cope with difficult patients(and you will have ALOT!) I've been spit on when I refused to give methadone to a patient who was high.

other than that, you really get to know the people. I loved it. LOVED it. Unfortunately due to cutbacks alot of the staff was let go, I was one of them.

Hours are Great though. Good for a morning person. I worked 6-3. Great hours for me!

T-Bird78 · Nov 8, 2012

All the above, and NO perfume and nails short. I realize that last one was useless since we don't have nice nails anyway, but it was mentioned to me by an outside HR recruiter. No dangly jewelry, light makeup, and a smile.

garnetgirl29, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2012

Thanks everyone! I had my interview this morning and it went REALLY well!! I think I have a good chance at this position. They're looking for split shift, 2nd shift, and occasional weekends. I told her I'm open to any and that my only concern would be 3rd shift because I'm used to being asleep then. She said she has a solid 3rd shift so that's not an issue. Nurses can wear business casual or scrubs, the two I saw wore scrubs. I imagine that's what I'll do just for the comfort. And, they allow jeans on Fridays. She asked for my references and asked me questions regarding objectivity, multi-tasking, prioritizing, etc. I told her about my own experiences with addictive family & an ex husband, so I've been the loved-one bringing the client to detox and I know how difficult it is and that I very much appreciated the respect I was given and that I would do the same. I told her that I understand overcoming addiction is extremely difficult and it takes most people numerous tries, so when I see the same faces coming in for treatment, I will treat them with the same objectivity, respect, and hope for success every time. She asked what would be a reasonable amount of time to leave a walk-in waiting while I'm busy dealing with in-patients. I said, I understand that walk-ins are going through a personal crisis and I would not want to leave them waiting and feeling like they don't matter. It takes a LOT to walk yourself into a detox center and I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable so that they choose to leave while waiting on me. So, I said I would do my best not to leave them waiting longer than 15 mins. She seemed happy with my answers. She asked for my references (I had a nice, pretty list all typed up) and she said she will call me to come in and meet with the NP next week.

So, anyone have any ideas as to what type of questions the NP will ask me? This facility deals with all types of detox and psychiatric crises.

Orientation is on the 26th, so I should know by then! *fingers crossed*