Nervous for 1st Interview on Monday

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma.

So I just landed my first interview for a position on a Ortho/Neuro floor which is an accomplishment in itself with the lack of jobs for new grads lately. I know they'll ask why do you want to work here, what are your career goals, strengths/weaknesses, how did you handle conflict with prior coworkers, and questions about clinical situations. I'm trying to prepare answers in my head, its practically all I can think about. I have had some exposure to these type of patients during my clinical rotations; stroke, MS, seizures, spinal cord injuries, amputations... but don't have any nursing experience being a recent grad. Its hard to get an interview in this economy especially as a new grad and I don't want to mess it up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Congrats. Just remain calm. Think about the question before you answer it. Research the facility before your interview just in case they ask you 'what do you know about their institution'. This will impress them that you know about their institution. Be honest. Oh yeah and practice, practice, practice; have someone help you with a mock interview. I hope you get the job. Let me know how it goes. Good luck.

aye125RN

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma.

Thank you very much for the support and advice. I felt like the interview with both the unit manager and nurse recruiter went very well. I did practice as you suggested and I think this really made a difference and helped calm my nerves. They asked mostly questions that I had anticipated and prepared for. The manager offered me an opportunity to job shadow so I'm super excited. Going to treat thAt as Another interview and keep my fingers crossed that the staff will like me and that I will like all of them and what the duties the position entails.

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You're very welcome. I'm glad that your interview went well and I hope that your shadow experience goes well. I'm hoping and praying that you get the job and my fingers will be crossed as well. Keep me posted.

Aye125rn

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Congrats! Waiting to hear back is the worst part I think. My first interview is Tuesday and I am trying not to get too nervous!

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Specializes in Ortho/Neuro/Trauma.

Good news, I found out yesterday evening that I got the position!

Thank you for the support aye125RN!

Edie10 hope your interview went well.

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Good news, I found out yesterday evening that I got the position!

Thank you for the support aye125RN!

Edie10 hope your interview went well.

Congratulations, I'm so happy for you. You're welcome, that's what I'm here for to help my fellow nurses. I wish you well with the new job and I know you will be successful.

aye125RN

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Congrats!

I will also say for those people reading this thread for interview advice that in my limited RN interviewing experience I wasn't asked one question about my clinical knowledge, but tons of those behavioral interview questions. "Tell me about a time when you were awesome and why you were so awesome." "Tell me about a time when you were part of a team and one member wasn't pulling their weight and what you did about it." Tons of those. They are really looking for communication, teamwork, loyalty, that kind of stuff.

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