My first job interview for a RN position....any advice?

[HappyNurse2005, RN]

I am graduating in May, and have an interview next week in a local NICU. I've NEVER had a job interview before. I've had 3 jobs before nursing school, 2 of which were service/restaurant type jobs-the interview consisted of "when can you start?" and the last was a nursing externship-no interview, just the application.

I've seen threads on interview questions, but in general, any advice? A big fear of mine is that I am VERY pregnant now, and by the time I graduate school and start a job, I will have had adequate recovery/bonding time ( I have it arranged with my school, I have time off built up, we have 2 weeks off btw final exam and graduation, etc. I wont be rushed with my baby). But I know that an interviewer can't ask you about your pregnancy status/family/etc-so I want to mention something about it, so they'll know I'll be able to start when they need me-I dont want to scare them off, making them think that I'll start work and want to take off 2 weeks later.

I'm just nervous... any advice about interviewing would be great!!!!!!

[GingerSue]

maybe speak about your present goals, and five years into the future.

maybe anticipate some of the questions they might have re: you and your infant if there's any illness, etc - what arrangements will you be able to make?

[SmilingBluEyes]

Be thinking about your positive attributes and be ready to answer what you will bring to the hospital/company. Be ready to toot your horn about your best traits, whatever they are.

Be ready, also to answer what your "biggest challenges" are.....what bugs you most/stresses you out most, and HOW DO YOU HANDLE IT????

Be goal-aware, cause they nearly ALL ask you yours. Have goals in mind to discuss, such as furthering your education, future job goals/etc.

Know a bit about the unit and hospital you are interviewing to work in. Do your homework.

Be ready w/questions of your own:

patient/staff ratios

benefits (a quick down and dirty, not the HR version you get in orientation)

Union or non-union shop?

Sick call policies

Vacation policies

Certification requirements? (e.g. NRP, etc)

Will you be required to float into other related departments, e.g. pediatrics/ Peds ICU (some DO have to do this), or Mother/Baby?

Just think about what you would want to know about working there. The inteviewer WILL ask you if you have questions, and they DO judge you based on these, so sounding prepared and intelligent sure does help.

Relax and be yourself. Dress like office-casual, not too dressed up, not too dressed-down. Keep makeup and perfume (if you use them) a bare minimum and jewelry minimal and tasteful. Firm handshake, and good eye contact. Be sure you observe the interviewer, too, particularly if this is a person you will work for/with. You want to know the culture of the work environment you are potentially entering. It helps to talk to others who work there to get a "feel" for the environment and morale.

Good luck. I am sure you will do just fine!